Gardner-Hickman was insane for West Brom

West Bromwich Albion lastly determined that sufficient was sufficient with Steve Bruce on Monday, because the membership’s hierarchy determined to part ways with the 61-year-old.

Beneath-21s boss Richard Beale took over while the managerial search goes on, and in the present day they needed to journey to a Studying facet who occupy a play-off spot. The Royals stay there regardless of a sensational away victory for the Baggies, which made a mockery of the shape ebook.

Earlier than in the present day, West Brom have been on an eight-match run within the Championship with out a win. Nevertheless, following in the present day’s consequence, they’ve lastly crawled out of the relegation zone.

While there have been a couple of star performers for Beale this afternoon, and regardless of surrendering 58% of the ball to Studying, it was Taylor Gardner-Hickman whose medical high quality gained them the match.

Regardless of Matt Phillips being the person to open the scoring, incomes a SofaScore ranking of 7.0, he was far outplayed by the teen, who was handed the second-highest ranking of anybody on the sector with 8.0.

The versatile gem was deployed in central midfield alongside Jake Livermore in a 3-4-3 system, and along with teeing up Phillips for the opener, he additionally managed to nab a goal himself to safe the consequence.

Have been you impressed with Taylor Gardner-Hickman in the present day?

His insistence on creating was outlined in the truth that he misplaced the ball 18 instances, suggesting that he typically got here up brief in pursuit of that killer ball.

The 20-year-old, who has beforehand been dubbed “a cut above the rest” and “menacing” by journalists Joe Ellis and Alex Dickens respectively, confirmed as soon as once more why he has earned these plaudits prior to now. Nevertheless, it was the teen’s defensive work which really made him shine in the present day.

Gardner-Hickman gained seven tackles this afternoon, additionally making three interceptions in midfield. He was in all places on the pitch, and the truth that his two aim contributions got here regardless of his group having much less of the ball than their opponents additional outlines his proficiency.

When West Brom actually wanted somebody to step up and be a hero to finish their depressing run, it was an academy graduate who stole the present with an immense efficiency.