West Bromwich Albion 2-1 Preston North End: Post-match review, Stats, Key moments

Dive into Coral's post-match review of West Bromwich Albion 2-1 Preston North End in the Championship on Saturday, 18 October 2025, with stats, key moments and our take on the match.

West Bromwich Albion secured a hard-fought 2-1 victory over Preston North End at home, a result that sees them continue their strong form in the Championship. The Baggies, who had suffered a heavy defeat in their previous away game against Millwall, bounced back impressively. The win was crucial in maintaining their momentum after a mixed run of results, including a win against Norwich City and a draw against Leicester City. This victory was not surprising given West Brom's recent performances, and it extends their positive run at home.

Preston North End, on the other hand, will be disappointed with the loss, which breaks their streak of unbeaten games. They had been on a solid run, with a win against Charlton Athletic and draws against Hull City and Bristol City. The defeat at The Hawthorns was a setback, but they showed resilience by scoring a late goal. Despite the loss, Preston's performance suggests they remain a competitive side in the league.

The statistics from the match indicate a closely contested game, with possession almost evenly split at 49% for West Brom and 51% for Preston. West Brom's dominance in set-piece situations was evident, as they won twice as many corners as Preston, with 8 to 4. This could have played a significant role in their victory, as corners often lead to scoring opportunities. Additionally, West Brom's higher successful dribble percentage (58% compared to Preston's 40%) suggests they were more effective in breaking down the opposition's defence.

The number of yellow cards, with West Brom receiving two and Preston one, indicates a competitive but relatively disciplined match. The higher number of assists for West Brom (2.0 compared to Preston's 1.0) aligns with their win, showing they were more effective in creating goal-scoring opportunities. Overall, the statistics reflect a game where West Brom's efficiency in key areas made the difference.

The first key moment came in the 40th minute when West Brom scored their opening goal, setting the tone for the match. This early lead would have boosted their confidence and put pressure on Preston to chase the game. The second goal for West Brom in the 62nd minute further solidified their position, making it a challenging task for Preston to mount a comeback.

Preston's response came late in the game with a goal in the 78th minute, which added tension to the final stages. Although it was not enough to secure a point, it showed their determination and ability to create scoring opportunities even when trailing. These key moments were pivotal in shaping the outcome of the match, with West Brom's early and mid-game goals proving decisive.

West Bromwich Albion lined up in a 4-2-3-1 formation, a setup that allowed them to control the midfield and support their attacking players effectively. The starting lineup featured a mix of experienced players and promising talents, with no major surprises in the selection. The impact of substitutions was notable, with five changes made during the game, suggesting tactical flexibility from the manager.

Mikey Johnston stood out with his goal, contributing significantly to the team's victory. His performance in the attacking third was crucial, and his inclusion in the starting lineup paid dividends. The overall team performance was solid, with the formation and lineup choices proving effective against a competitive Preston side.

Preston North End opted for a 5-3-2 formation, aiming to provide defensive solidity while still posing a threat on the counter-attack. The lineup was as expected, with key players like Daniel Iversen in goal and Lewis Dobbin up front. The team made five substitutions during the match, indicating an attempt to change the game's dynamics.

Despite the loss, individual performances were commendable, with players like Milutin Osmajic showing effort in the attacking third. The late goal from Preston highlighted their resilience and ability to create chances even when behind. The formation and lineup choices were sound, but West Brom's efficiency in front of goal ultimately made the difference.

Mikey Johnston is Coral's Man of the Match for his standout performance against Preston North End. His goal in the 40th minute was crucial in setting up West Brom's victory, demonstrating his ability to make a significant impact on the game. Despite not recording any assists or key passes, his goal was the decisive factor in the match, earning him well-deserved recognition.

Recent Championship matches:

• Win: 2-1 vs Preston North End (H)
• Loss: 0-3 vs Millwall (A)
• Win: 1-0 vs Norwich City (A)
• Draw: 1-1 vs Leicester City (H)
• Loss: 1-2 vs Middlesbrough (A)

Recent Championship matches:

• Loss: 1-2 vs West Bromwich Albion (A)
• Win: 2-0 vs Charlton Athletic (H)
• Draw: 2-2 vs Hull City (A)
• Draw: 0-0 vs Bristol City (H)
• Win: 1-0 vs Derby County (A)

With their league position now at 4 and 17 points, West Bromwich Albion will look to maintain their momentum when they face Watford, who are in 14th place with 12 points, on October 22, 2025 at 19:45. The recent victory against Preston will boost their confidence, and they will aim to approach the game with the same intensity and focus on securing another three points.

Preston North End, now sitting in 8th place with 16 points, will need to regroup quickly as they prepare to face Birmingham City, who are in 17th place with 12 points, on October 21, 2025 at 19:45. The loss to West Brom will serve as a reminder of the need for consistency, and they will look to bounce back with a strong performance in their upcoming match

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