Derby County 1-1 West Bromwich Albion: Baggies Break Away Losing Streak
West Bromwich Albion's Chris Mepham scored a dramatic 95th-minute equalizer, preventing the team from equaling a record-breaking 11-game losing streak on the road. The Baggies were on the brink of matching a 134-year-old club record before Mepham's header from a corner kick. The match began with a blunder from debutant goalkeeper Max O'Leary, allowing Derby striker Patrick Agyemang to score early. However, Derby's lead was short-lived, as Mepham's header from a corner kick in the 44th minute denied the home side and earned West Brom's coach Eric Ramsay his first point after consecutive losses.
West Bromwich Albion's last away victory was at Norwich City on October 1, when they were fourth in the table under Ryan Mason. The team's subsequent poor performance, highlighted by 10 away losses, led to Mason's dismissal in January. Ramsay, his replacement, faced the prospect of overseeing a record-equaling league defeat in his first away game. Both teams made five changes, with goalkeeper Jacob Widell Zetterstrom returning for the Rams after illness.
The Baggies' 5-0 home loss to Norwich prompted a midweek overhaul, including O'Leary's debut in goal just a day after joining from Bristol City. His first appearance was forgettable, as he failed to handle a free-kick, leading to Derby's goal. Despite Derby's early lead, West Brom dominated the match, creating opportunities, including a close call by Josh Maja in stoppage time. Mepham's header from a corner kick in the 95th minute ultimately secured the draw.
While West Brom avoided a record-breaking loss, the match had its costs, with Karlan Grant and Krystian Bielik sustaining injuries. Derby County's manager, John Eustace, expressed disappointment, praising his team's effort but noting their need for sharpness. West Bromwich Albion's coach, Eric Ramsay, acknowledged their controlled performance and its significance in rectifying previous mistakes.
