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Match Analysis: West Bromwich Ablion 2-1 Swansea City

Sports Mole analyses West Brom's 2-1 victory over Swansea at The Hawthorns, which saw the Baggies climb above their opponents in the table.

Swansea City were denied a late point against West Bromwich Albion at The Hawthorns after having an 86th-minute goal wrongly disallowed.

Luke Moore had put the Welsh outfit ahead before Romelu Lukaku equalised prior to missing a penalty in the second period.

A Jonathan de Guzman own goal saw the Swans fall behind and their luck was cursed again when Roland Lamah had a late effort controversially ruled out.

Below Sports Mole analyses whether the result was reflective of the action in the West Midlands.

Match statistics

West Brom:
Shots: 12
On target: 6
Possession: 49%
Corners: 3
Fouls: 9

Swansea:
Shots: 9
On target: 4
Possession: 51%
Corners: 3
Fouls: 10

Was the result fair?

The advantage in this contest swung back and forth. Swansea started the brighter and deservedly went ahead, but West Brom rallied and enjoyed much the better of minutes 40-80. The visitors launched a late barrage and will feel aggrieved to leave pointless after Lamah's incorrectly disallowed goal. Having said that, the Baggies just had the better of it this afternoon.

West Brom's performance

They started very sluggishly in possession, but Lukaku grabbed hold of the game and then played a key role in helping West Brom control it for a large period. Solid, if unspectacular, they benefited from Swansea's under-par display.

Swansea's performance

In the absence of Leon Britton, their passing in midfield was not as crisp and controlled as we have seen it. Michu was strangely wasteful in front of goal, and Lukaku caused constant problems for Garry Monk and the usually composed Ashley Williams. Not their finest afternoon, but they will still feel that they were robbed of a draw.

Sports Mole's man of the match

Romelu Lukaku: He may have missed a penalty, but his overall performance was very impressive and central to West Brom's comeback. Showed good hold up play and movement, and linked up well with his supporting attacking midfielders. Netted his 13th goal of the season and displayed great maturity for a striker of just 19 years old. Potential personified.

Biggest gaffe

The officials ruled out Lamah's 86th-minute goal for offside, despite the ball coming off not one, but two West Brom defenders on its way back to the winger. An inexcusable error which cost Swansea a point.

Referee's performance

Including the incident above, Lee Mason made several decisions which frustrated Swansea. Awarding the Baggies a penalty for a foul by Wayne Routledge on James Morrison was another, but the referee may have got that one right. So not all bad then.

What next?

West Brom: A trip to Stoke City, where the powerful Lukaku will be met by an equally physical Potters defence.

Swansea: Home ties against each of the north London clubs in the upcoming fortnight, where they could have an indirect influence on the chase for the Champions League.

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Written by
Joe Fish
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West Brom's Romelu Lukaku celebrates scoring against Swansea City on March 9, 2013
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