Matt Phillips and Harvey Barnes were at the heart of West Bromwich Albion’s 4-1 Championship thrashing of Leeds United on Saturday.
West Bromwich Albion went into Saturday’s crunch clash at home to Leeds United in need of a result. And it’s fair to say they got one.
After a run of three defeats in four games, The Baggies roared back to life and mauled Marcelo Bielsa’s visitors at the Hawthorns, winning 4-1 thanks to an irrepressible second half blitz.
Matt Phillips and Harvey Barnes in particular caused no end of problems to a ramshackle Leeds defence, both getting on the score-sheet while getting fans off their feet with their speed and fearless approach.
And, speaking to BBC West Midlands (14 November, 9am), Baggies legend Tony Brown has admitted that he was very impressed with the attacking duo.
“Those two, Phillips and Harvey Barnes, they were the ones that had the pace and the initiative to go and break at Leeds every opportunity,” said Brown, a forward who played over 700 games for West Brom between 1963 and 1980.
“If you’re a defender and you’ve got people running at you, it’s a nightmare at times.”
Phillips has always been inconsistent but has started to perform on a more regular basis in recent months. His long-range strike against Leeds, albeit aided by some unconvincing goalkeeping from Bailey Peacock-Farrell, was his fourth of the season.
Leicester City loanee Barnes, meanwhile, has five himself and many West Brom fans have implored England boss Gareth Southgate to keep a close eye on his development.
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