West Brom ended a five-game goal drought, and four-game losing streak, with a hard-fought 2-2 draw with Burnley at Turf Moor on Saturday. While it was a much-needed point for Tony Pulis' side after their recent run, it was hardly a turning point in terms of performance. Until they went 1-0 down, West Brom looked short of ideas, pace and creativity, seemingly content to see the game out 0-0 to break their losing run.
Positives
Salomon Rondon broke his own personal goal drought, getting on the scoresheet for the first time since a hat trick against Swansea back in December. Considering how long he went without scoring, it was a very tidy finish on the turn from the Venezuelan. That goal was created by James McClean, who did well on the left wing for West Brom both going forward and defending. It was also good to see Sam Field given an opportunity from the start.
Negatives
Conversely, it was disappointing to see Field withdrawn from the action early on in the second half when he looked one of the few players capable of getting the ball down and passing it around. Having fought their way back into the game and taken the lead, the manner in which West Brom conceded was disappointing. It came from a poor free kick in the Burnley half, ultimately resulting in the Clarets free kick that Ben Foster really should have done better with.
Manager rating out of 10
6 -- Changes had to be made considering West Brom's recent run of form but it was disappointing to see both Nacer Chadli and James Morrison out of the starting XI. Field deserved his opportunity, as did McClean, who has been unfortunate not to see more game time this season. It was a strange decision to see Marc Wilson preferred to Allan Nyom at left-back, meaning West Brom had very little threat from their-full backs on the overlap.
Player ratings (1-10; 10 = best. Players introduced after 70 minutes get no rating)
GK Ben Foster, 5 -- The England international has won West Brom several points this season but was caught in no man's lands for Burnley's equaliser, presenting Sam Vokes with an easy opportunity.
DF Craig Dawson, 7 -- This was a game that suited Dawson down to the ground. He was constantly involved in aerial battles with the Burnley centre-forwards who pulled out wide. Brave header for West Brom's second goal and unlucky not to have scored earlier on.
DF Gareth McAuley, 6 -- Another who thrived with the physical nature of the game, although he perhaps could have been more commanding for the equaliser.
DF Jonny Evans, 6 -- Defended well enough without ever doing anything outstanding, withdrawn after half-time with an injury.
DF Marc Wilson, 5 -- Got more secure as the game went on but looked slow and made a couple of poor clearances.
MF Chris Brunt, 7 -- Another quietly effective game for the West Brom stalwart. Always looks to play a pass rather than just get rid of the ball. Delivery from set pieces was mixed, but added another assist with the corner for Dawson's goal.
MF Jake Livermore, 5 -- Not as effective when used higher up the pitch, perhaps lacking the nous to play there. Got caught the wrong side of his man for Burnley's first goal, which would have resulted in a penalty were it not for the referee playing advantage.
MF Darren Fletcher, 6 -- Grew into the game after a slow start, particularly after West Brom went 1-0 down, when he started picking up more second balls and instigating attacks.
MF Sam Field, 6 -- A good display from the youngster in his first start since October. A cool head on the ball, struggled with the physicality of the game at points.
MF James McClean, 8 -- An all-action performance from the Irish winger, who had the beating of Matt Lowton all game, if not the final ball to match. His recovery tackle in the first half on Scott Arfield when he was through on goal was one of the best this season.
FW Salomon Rondon, 7 -- His hold-up play was good against Leicester and he did well again in this respect against a makeshift Burnley defence. His hard running this season was rewarded with a goal, finishing neatly after a good turn in the box.
Substitutes
DF Allan Nyom, 7 -- Gave West Brom an extra dimension going forward, and a good crossfield pass to instigate the move for Rondon's equaliser.
MF James Morrison, 6 -- A few neat pieces of play and drifted into some good areas, but never looked like effecting the game too much.
MF Claudio Yacob, NR -- Helped West Brom see out the final few minutes to earn a point.