West Bromwich Albion ended a grueling run of ten consecutive away defeats this evening, fighting back to secure a 1-1 draw against Derby County at Pride Park. In a match that appeared destined for another heartbreaking road loss, a stoppage-time equalizer provided head coach Eric Ramsay with his first point since taking the reins of the Baggies earlier this month.
Match recap
The contest began tentatively, with West Brom looking to stabilize after a heavy midweek defeat. The Baggies controlled much of the possession in the first half and created the better of the early openings, with Jayson Molumby and George Campbell both going close. However, a defensive lapse on the stroke of halftime saw Derby take the lead against the run of play. Patrick Agyemang pounced on a dropped cross from debutant goalkeeper Max O’Leary to poke the ball into an empty net in the 44th minute.
The second half was a story of West Brom persistence. Ramsay’s side threw everything forward in the closing stages, with Josh Maja and Samuel Iling-Junior both testing the Rams’ defense. The pressure finally told in the 95th minute when a corner was flicked on by Molumby to the back post, where Chris Mepham rose to head the ball over the line. The result halts a 114-day wait for an away point for the visitors and provides a much-needed morale boost for the squad.
Focus on Ramsay
The former Minnesota United manager finally got off the mark in his third game in charge, stopping a dangerous slide and showing the “resilience” he has called for since his arrival.
- Tactical adjustments: Ramsay handed a debut to new signing Max O’Leary and successfully integrated Jayson Molumby back into the starting lineup, with the latter providing the crucial assist for the equalizer.
- Resilience shown: Despite the blow of conceding late in the first half, Ramsay praised his team’s “discipline and sense of unity” in the post-match press conference, noting that the point was the “least they deserved.”
- First point: After opening his tenure with losses to Middlesbrough and Norwich, this draw marks the first step in Ramsay’s mission to move West Brom away from the Championship relegation zone.
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