The Cardiff City Stadium witnessed Jeremy Sarmiento securing West Brom’s fifth victory in six matches. Following their impressive win against Ipswich Town on Saturday, West Bromwich Albion displayed character and a touch of class in another triumph over Cardiff. Jeremy Sarmiento, in his second start for the club, stylishly scored his second goal at the beginning of the second half, propelling Albion to third place, at least for Tuesday night.
The first half, initially lacking excitement, was disrupted by an injury concern for Jed Wallace. The Albion captain suffered a hard fall under an early aerial challenge from Mark McGuinness, clutching his right arm in pain. Despite attempting to continue, Wallace conceded after 20 minutes, making way for Brandon Thomas-Asante.
While former Baggie Callum Robinson aimed to trouble his former team, Albion had the closest chances in the first half. Grady Diangana, breaking swiftly from a Bluebirds corner, found Sarmiento inside the area, who squeezed an effort onto the far post.
Carlos Corberán's Baggies are on fire! 🔥
Read the full report from a fine away win in south Wales! 👇
— West Bromwich Albion (@WBA) November 28, 2023
Sarmiento spectacularly opened the scoring shortly after the restart, receiving the ball from Alex Mowatt on the left, running at Romeo, cutting inside, and either unleashing a shot into the far corner or delivering a cross that found its way into the net.
Impressively, Albion managed the subsequent 40 minutes well. Despite Thomas-Asante missing a golden opportunity, nodding over from a Darnell Furlong throw-in, Albion secured their lead. The hosts’ late surge posed a challenge, but Albion, a resilient team, safeguarded their well-earned advantage.
With five wins in their last six matches, Albion now stands third in the table, at least until Saturday when they welcome Leicester City to The Hawthorns.
West Brom player ratings
Palmer 7
Had to make himself big after about half an hour when Bowler burst into the area, got the better of Kipre and shaped to shoot. Palmer was in the way. Comfortable with the ball at his feet in the second half.
Furlong 7
Sloppy moment when a return pass to Bartley in the corner resulted in a Cardiff corner, but otherwise Furlong was a solid component of this back-line. Unnecessarily booked for timewasting at the end, but he played some excellent through balls for Fellows to run onto.
Bartley 7
Another really big contribution from Bartley, who was turned once by the lively Meite in the first half but who otherwise he had the better of. When you needed Bartley to stand up under spells of Cardiff pressure – particularly with set-pieces – he was there.
Kipre 7
Back at his old haunt, having spent last season here on loan. Among the brightest in a lime shirt early on and made a big block to keep Ralls’ shot away from Palmer’s goal, but was given the slip by Meite and thankful for Townsend’s cover.
Townsend 7
Shepherded the ball out of play early on under pressure from Romeo. Made one excellent challenge in the box on Meite, which he had to get right. A very earnest display on the left otherwise.
Yokuslu 6
Skied a shot when encouraged to shoot from the edge of the penalty area. Like many of his teammates, he wasn’t at his slick best with his passing in the first half but there were a few nice moments of composure and skill towards the end of it. Tired in the second period but remained attentive.
Mowatt 7
Really important showing, especially in the second half after a slow start to the game – something which he wasn’t alone in. Particularly after going in front Mowatt’s contribution and role was magnified – vital in breaking play up and finding those through balls he’s so good at.
Swift 6
Back in the starting XI for the first time since the defeat at Blues last month. A little rusty, perhaps, as in the opening passages there were one or two uncharacteristic stray passes. A calming influence on the ball in the second and delivered one excellent free kick from the right. Important minutes under the belt and more to come.
Sarmiento 7*
🎶 He's magic, you knoooooooww! 🎶 pic.twitter.com/SlwKVLXCDA
— West Bromwich Albion (@WBA) November 28, 2023
Struggled to get into the game in the opening period. Grew into it as the game wore on but didn’t have much fun against the attentive Romeo. The width of a post away from almost breaking the deadlock, mind you, although he did shortly after the restart. Cross, shot, it didn’t matter. He immediately got a lift from it, too.
Diangana 6
Culpable of surrendering possession when Albion looked to build up attacks in the first 15 minutes, but he did lay on a plate Sarmiento’s chance with a perfectly weighted through ball. Not one of his more effective performances with the ball at his feet.
Wallace 6
Took an almighty whack when McGuinness leapt through the back of him when challenging for a header. That left Wallace moving pretty gingerly for a while and he was eventually forced off clutching his right arm.
Substitutes
Thomas-Asante (for Wallace 21) 6
This appearance rather jumped up unexpectedly on Asante, well before he’d have thought he’d be introduced. Important moments in pressing and also when relieving pressure on the defence but with key moments – a header at the back post for one – Asante had to do better.
Phillips (for Sarmiento 65) 6
Fellows (for Diangana 65) 7
An(other) exciting cameo. Fellows saw a fair bit of the ball for his part on the right hand side, much of it through the supply of Furlong. Brave, direct and a wicked cross too.
Molumby (for 74)
Maja (for Swift 74)
Substitutes not used: Griffiths, Pipa, Ajayi, Chalobah
Cardiff City: Runarsson; Romeo (Panzo 56), Goutas, McGuinness, Ng; Siopsis, Ralls (Wintle 56), Bowler, Tanner (Etete 75), Robinson (Colwill 65), Meite (Ugbo 56)
Substitutes not used: Alnwick, Adams, Sawyers, Rinomhota
GOALS
Cardiff – ; Albion – Sarmiento 50