BAGGIES ARE MAD FOUR IT

Albion breeze top after bombardment of long throws batters Blades

VALERIEN ISMAEL’S new direct approach at West Brom blew away shell-shocked Sheffield United.

Both clubs were relegated from the Premier League last term but on this evidence only Albion have a decent chance of bouncing straight back.

The Blades were bullied, with a barrage of long throws from the Baggies battering them. And the three points took the West Midlands side top on goal difference.

Blades were without England keeper Aaron Ramsdale, who is set to join Arsenal for £24million.

His replacement, Dutch keeper Michael Verrips, made his League debut and endured a baptism of fire. Verrips and his defenders were found wanting under the aerial bombardment as Jack Robinson headed into his own net before second-half goals from Dara O’Shea, Alex Mowatt and Callum Robinson sealed a comprehensive victory for Baggies.

Verrips had to pick the ball out of the net twice in the first 15 minutes but former Blade Robinson was ruled offside on both occasions. Albion finally took the lead in the 26th minute when Jack Robinson headed into his own net from Darnell Furlong’s long throw.

United almost equalised when Billy Sharp released David McGoldrick down the middle but the veteran striker rolled a low right-foot finish past the post with a poor finish when clear.

Albion had further chances to extend their lead but Mowatt shot over. Mowatt was, however, involved after the break when the Baggies doubled their advantage. Verrips couldn’t hold the midfielder’s 47th-minute corner and O’Shea toe-poked home to leave United boss Slavisa Jokanovic shaking his head in dismay.

Albion made it 3-0 six minutes later when Karlan Grant played in Mowatt, who rifled home his first goal for the club.

Full-back Furlong hurled in another long throw from the right which led to the fourth as Kyle Bartley beat Verrips to it before Robinson helped it over the line in the 59th minute.

It was in-form Robinson’s third goal in as many games for Albion this term.

The visitors took until the 72nd minute to test Sam Johnstone, who had to dive to his left to push away John Egan’s header.