Diagne saves Ajayi's West Brom against Wolverhampton Wanderers

BetOdds African All Stars West Bromwich Albion v Wolverhampton Wanderers West Bromwich Albion Wolverhampton Wanderers Premier League

The Senegal international was the Baggies’ hero having scored the equaliser against visiting Nuno Espirito Santo’s team

West Bromwich Albion continued their battle against relegation with a 1-1 draw with Wolverhampton Wanderers on Monday evening.

Nuno Espirito Santo’s men were heading for a famous win at the Hawthorns following Fabio Silva’s effort on the stroke of half time.

However, Mbaye Diagne ensured that the game finished all square with his leveler two minutes after the hour mark.

Inspired by their 2-2 draw at Aston Villa the last time out, Sam Allardyce’s side welcomed Wolves who suffered an embarrassing 4-0 home defeat to Burnley on April 25.

Victory for them would boost their battle against demotion, albeit, both teams settled for a point each.

Knowing what is at stake, the hosts began the game on an electrifying note and their dominance saw them earn a corner kick in the first 10 minutes through Darnell Furlong. Unfortunately, the resulting kick was comfortably saved by goalkeeper Rui Patricio.

For the visiting Wolves, they were calm in possession trying to work an opportunity but West Brom did well restricting the away side to shots from distance.

In the 31st minute, Nelson Semedo sneaked in to take the ball off Semi Ajayi on the edge of the Baggies’ penalty box.

The Portuguese defender drifted past Kyle Bartley and fired at goal but Sam Johnstone matched the effort with a beautiful save that sailed over the crossbar.

Despite a 33rd minute tactical change by West Brom – that saw Dara O'Shea coming off for Mathew Phillips, it was Wolves who took the lead in the 45th minute.

American defender of Nigerian descent Owen Otasowie sped inside from the wing, played the ball into Vitinha who flicked the ball to Semedo as the defender slid it through for the striker. Silva struck the ball and looped over Johnstone into the back of the net.

In the 62nd minute, Diagne put Allardyce’s side back on level terms after heading home a cross by Conor Townsend. The latter player's assist was his first in 46 league games for the team, since setting up a goal against Barnsley in October 2019 in the Championship.

At the end of full-time, West Brom settled for a point but they would rue their profligacy in front of goal.

They remain 19th and remain stuck in the relegation zone with a trip to Arsenal up next.

2021-05-03 23:00:05

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