West Bromwich Albion secured a much-needed home win, thanks to a superb double from Mikey Johnston, as they triumphed 2-0 over Bristol City at The Hawthorns. The Glasgow-born Republic of Ireland international ended his long goal drought with two well-taken strikes in the first half, leading Albion to just their fourth home victory of the season. The win lifted Carlos Corberan’s side to seventh in the Championship, level on points with Middlesbrough, and gave their Spanish boss a very happy Christmas.
For Bristol City, the result marks their fourth consecutive match without a win, leaving them in 12th place and eight points adrift of the play-off spots. The defeat was a disappointing one for the Robins, who had few answers to West Brom’s attacking play, especially after Johnston’s quickfire double.
Mikey Johnston Double Lights Up West Brom’s Attack
The game had started slowly, with neither team able to break the deadlock in the opening half-hour. Both teams had struggled to find fluidity, and the match seemed destined for another stalemate. However, things took a dramatic turn in the 34th minute when Mikey Johnston scored his first goal of the season, breaking his personal goal drought that had stretched back to April.
Johnston, who had been recalled to the starting lineup after Karlan Grant’s hamstring injury, made an immediate impact. A precise cross from winger Tom Fellows found Johnston unmarked at the edge of the six-yard box, and the Irishman made no mistake, powering a header past Bristol City goalkeeper Max O’Leary to give West Brom Albion the lead.
The goal was a relief for Johnston, who had endured a tough spell without scoring for Albion. His last goal had come in April, and the quickfire strike showed just how much he was capable of when fully fit. But Johnston wasn’t finished yet, and just nine minutes later, he added a second goal, this time a stunning individual effort.
After collecting the ball on the left wing, Johnston cut inside, making his way into the penalty area. With a burst of skill, he created space for himself before curling a beautiful right-foot shot into the far corner of the net, leaving O’Leary with no chance. It was a brilliant reminder of the quality Johnston had shown in previous seasons, and his two goals gave West Brom Albion a commanding 2-0 lead before halftime.
Bristol City’s Frustrating First Half
Bristol City, who had struggled in the first half, had a few half-chances to get back into the game, but they were unable to convert. The best opportunity came just before halftime when Anis Mehmeti’s cross found Luke McNally at the far post. McNally headed the ball towards goal, but West Brom Albion goalkeeper Alex Palmer made a crucial save, palming the ball over the bar to deny City a lifeline.
The visitors had been largely ineffective in the first half, and their inability to break down West Brom Albion‘s defense meant they went into the break with work to do. They were already two goals behind, and manager Liam Manning had to rethink his tactics if Bristol City were to have any hope of turning the game around.
Second Half: West Brom Albion Keep Bristol City at Bay
The second half started with a bit more promise for Bristol City. Fally Mayulu tested Alex Palmer early on with a shot that the Albion keeper did well to save. However, that would be about as close as City would come to scoring in the second half, as West Brom Albion‘s defense stood firm.
Johnston came close to completing his hat trick on a couple of occasions. On one of his runs into the box, he forced O’Leary into a low save, while another shot narrowly missed the target. However, West Brom Albion’s head coach, Carlos Corberan, decided to take Johnston off in the 73rd minute, allowing Grady Diangana, who had recently returned from injury, to make his comeback.
With Johnston withdrawn, West Brom Albion continued to control the game. Top scorer Josh Maja and substitute Uros Racic both tested O’Leary, but the Bristol City keeper was equal to the task. As the game wound down, a golden opportunity for Devante Cole to add a third goal went begging. After a pass from Diangana, Cole could only poke the ball wide of the post with the goal at his mercy.
The miss didn’t prove costly in the end, as West Brom Albion held on for a comfortable 2-0 victory. The win was crucial for Corberan’s side, who had been struggling for consistency at home, and it moved them into the top half of the Championship standings.
Mikey Johnston Double Seals West Brom Albion’s Progress
This victory was a significant one for West Brom Albion, and the performance of Mikey Johnston was a key factor. His two goals ended a long drought for the winger, and they were a reminder of the talent he can bring to the team when fully fit. His goals were well-taken, and they gave West Brom Albion a much-needed confidence boost heading into the busy Christmas period.
The win also propelled West Brom Albion to seventh in the Championship, just one point behind Middlesbrough in sixth. With the play-off race heating up, Corberan’s side will be hoping to build on this result and continue their push for promotion. Johnston’s double was not only a personal triumph but also a boost for the team, who will now be looking to carry that momentum into their next fixtures.
Bristol City’s Struggles Continue
For Bristol City, this defeat was another setback in a season that has been marked by inconsistency. The Robins have now gone four games without a win, and their playoff hopes are beginning to fade as they sit in 12th place, eight points off the top six.
Bristol City manager Liam Manning was disappointed with his team’s performance, especially in the first half. Speaking after the game, Manning admitted, “They were better than us in all areas. And we let in two soft goals.” He also acknowledged that his team lacked the necessary energy and aggression to break down West Brom Albion‘s well-organized defense.
Manning will need to find a way to improve his team’s performances quickly if they are to remain in the playoff hunt. With back-to-back home games coming up, including a Boxing Day clash against Luton Town, Bristol City will need to bounce back and show more quality in both attack and defense.
What’s Next for Both Teams?
Looking ahead, West Brom Albion will take their winning momentum on the road for their next two games, with a trip to Derby County on Boxing Day followed by a visit to Sheffield United next Sunday. After those matches, they will return home to face Preston North End on New Year’s Day, with hopes of pushing further up the table.
Bristol City, on the other hand, will play two consecutive home games, beginning with a clash against Luton Town on Boxing Day. After that, they will take on Portsmouth, followed by a challenging New Year’s Day fixture away to Plymouth Argyle in an all-West Country encounter.
Both teams have a lot to play for as they head into the festive period, and the outcome of these upcoming fixtures will be crucial to their respective goals for the remainder of the season.
Final Thoughts: Mikey Johnston Double West Brom Albion Victory
In conclusion, Mikey Johnston’s first goals in months were the highlight of West Brom Albion’s 2-0 victory over Bristol City. His double helped to secure a vital win for the Baggies, moving them into seventh place in the Championship. The performance was a relief for Corberan’s side, who had struggled at home earlier in the season. For Bristol City, the defeat was another frustrating result, leaving them with plenty of work to do if they are to remain in the race for the playoffs. With both teams facing important fixtures in the coming days, it’s clear that they will need to improve in order to achieve their goals.
