Charlton 2-2 West Brom: Baggies held but return to top

Report and highlights from the Sky Bet Championship clash at The Valley

Saturday 11 January 2020 19:42, UK

An own goal by keeper Sam Johnstone denied West Brom victory but Slaven Bilic's side still returned to the top of the Sky Bet Championship following a 2-2 draw with Charlton at the Valley.

The Baggies twice took the lead, first through Kenneth Zohore, who struck the winner when the sides met in the FA Cup six days previously, and then through Hal Robson-Kanu at the start of the second half after Josh Davison had levelled.

But they failed to claim a first win in five league games when Charlton equalised again when the ball deflected into the net off Johnstone after the keeper had pushed Tom Lockyer's 76th-minute header against a post.

The draw meant Charlton avoided defeat in their first home league game since the recent takeover of the club - but Lee Bowyer's side have won just one of their last 15 Championship games.

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Zohore had already had the game's best opportunity before he put the visitors ahead midway through the first half.

Neat work by Matheus Pereira on the left flank had created the space for the Brazilian to deliver a cross that Zohore met with a glancing header and it took a full-stretch save by Charlton keeper Dillon Phillips to divert the ball to safety.

But the Dane made no mistake when a second chance came his way moments later.

Zohore conjured the opening himself when he robbed centre-back Lockyer deep inside the home half before driving into the penalty area.

And the striker beat Dillon Phillips with a powerful low drive at the keeper's near post after defender Deji Oshilaja had got across to block Zohore's first effort.

Charlton had created little before that point but they forced their way back onto level terms just seven minutes later after a well-worked short-corner routine.

Naby Sarr rose to meet Conor Gallagher's cross and headed towards Davison, who reacted well to head past Johnstone from close range.

Bilic will not have been happy with the way his side faded after a promising start but the Albion manager could have no complaints about the response after the break.

The Baggies reappeared with a much more positive approach and were back in front less than a minute after the restart.

Matt Phillips did well to find a way past Alfie Doughty and send in a low cross that Robson-Kanu met at the near post and the Wales international's flick found its way past Dillon Phillips with the help of a deflection off Sarr.

There were few signs Charlton were capable of drawing level for a second time during a one-sided second half.

But Bowyer's side made the most of the chance that did come their way in the 76th minute as Lockyer's header from Doughty's free-kick led to the equaliser.

What the managers said...

Charlton's Lee Bowyer: "It's Tom Lockyer's goal. He's done everything. He's worked hard to lose his man, great header. And what, because the keeper's tried to save it, it's not his goal.

"I thought there were a lot of positives, especially to come from behind twice shows the character and togetherness to keep going against a good West Brom side. I'm pleased my players could stand up to their physicality."

West Brom's Slaven Bilic: "We took the lead twice and we were controlling the game and after 2-1 we had many good situations but we didn't score the third goal. It's very frustrating that we have conceded a couple of goals from set-plays. And if you do that, it is unlikely you are going to leave the field unpunished.

"It can happen once, OK. But it can't happen as often as it has been. They didn't outplay us but you can lose any game in the Championship. I'm not giving a comment about our position on the table, I'm giving a comment on 90 minutes. If this was the position with two games to go I would be happy. But unfortunately there are 19 games to go. This was a great opportunity to go three points clear."