West Bromwich Albion grind out win at Derby to go top | OneFootball

Match in Five Sentences: West Bromwich Albion beat Derby County 1-0. In the 16th minute, Aune Heggebo finished left-footed from close range after a pass from Jimmy-Jay Morgan. Brayann Pereira then received a second yellow and was sent off (34.), forcing the visitors to defend with ten men. Despite 67.1% possession, 13 attempts and 11 corners, Derby were kept out by Max O'Leary, who made three saves. The result lifts West Bromwich Albion from sixth to first on 13 points, while Derby slip from 21st to 22nd and host Birmingham next, with West Bromwich Albion welcoming Queens Park Rangers.

Player of the Match: Max O'Leary preserved the lead with three saves and assured handling as the visitors faced 11 corners and long spells of Derby pressure.

Stat of the Match: West Bromwich Albion produced 53 clearances, a rearguard effort that protected the lead after the red card.

Three Things We Learned: Derby dominated the ball with 67.1% possession but turned 13 attempts into only three on target. Reduced to ten men, West Bromwich Albion still stacked up 53 clearances and 19 tackles to see the game out. The Rams slung in 49 crosses at 14.3% accuracy, underlining a direct approach that lacked precision.