Nottingham Forest 1 West Brom 2: Baggies comeback hands Slaven Bilic debut win courtesy of keeper Muric
FOREST’S on-loan Manchester City keeper Aro Muric had a debut to forget – as Slaven Bilic marked his first game in charge of West Brom with a victory.
Muric, 20, was to blame for both goals as Albion turned the game on its before half-time.
It was Forest who looked to be in command early on as full-back Matty Cash swept them into an eighth minute lead after a one-two with new signing Albert Adomah – who helped Aston Villa to promotion last season.
Again though, the goal was down to another keeper error as Albion’s Sam Johnstone reacted late to Cash’s effort from the edge of the area.
But it took Bilic’s side just six minutes to draw level when Kyle Edwards cut in from the left and unleashed a shot which went straight through Muric.
Worse was to follow for the Kosovo international keeper.
Baggies took the lead after 26 minutes when Matt Phillips delivered a cross from the right flank into the six yard box.
The Albion wide man looked to have overcooked it – and clearly Muric felt the same as he was caught out badly when he ball suddenly dipped in under the crossbar.
It was a pure fluke for Phillips whose face told its on story as he clearly meant it as a cross.
The goals took away all the momentum built up by Forest in the early stages. And their new boss Sabri Lamouche – who replaced Martin O’Neill in the close season – saw his side unable to break Albion down.
Latest Football News
The Frenchman made eight summer signings – but while his team showed some encouraging signs, they will need to make progress if Forest owner Evangelos Marinakis is to see his vision of promotion become reality.
Muric showed what was capable of when he stopped Edwards making it three.
Albion field five debutants compared to Forest’s five and was Bilic’s men who controlled the game after going behind.
Forest tried to pick up the pace in the final stages and Alfa Semedo fired a shot over from 20 yards.