Championship Side Ruthlessly Exposes National League Opposition
West Bromwich Albion showcased the vast 70-place gulf between Championship and National League football with a clinical 4-0 FA Cup third-round replay demolition of Chesterfield at The Hawthorns. Carlos Corberán’s in-form Baggies extended their impressive run to 10 wins in 12 matches across all competitions, setting up a tantalizing fourth-round clash with Bristol City.
How the Match Unfolded
Early Dominance and Controversy
West Brom thought they’d taken a second-minute lead when Grady Diangana’s aerial challenge forced Chesterfield keeper Lucas Covolan to carry the ball over his own line, but the referee controversially ruled it out. The Baggies didn’t let this setback affect their rhythm, maintaining 68% possession and creating 18 shots throughout the match.
Swift’s Moment of Magic
The breakthrough came in the 23rd minute when John Swift – West Brom’s creative talisman – curled a beautiful left-footed strike from 16 yards after Jake Livermore won a crucial header from Jamie Grimes’ wayward clearance. “Swift’s technical quality made the difference in tight spaces,” noted Melbet analyst Mark Thompson. “His vision and execution were Premier League caliber.”
Second-Half Blitz
Corberán’s halftime team talk clearly worked as West Brom scored twice in six devastating minutes:
- 49′: Tom Rogic punished Jeff King’s defensive hesitation to tap home after Adam Reach’s cross
- 55′: Livermore blasted home from close range after Chesterfield failed to clear Swift’s corner
Substitute Jovan Malcolm completed the rout in added time with a powerful header from Taylor Gardner-Hickman’s pinpoint cross.
Tactical Takeaways
West Brom‘s 4-2-3-1 formation overwhelmed Chesterfield’s 5-4-1 defensive block through:
- Overlapping fullbacks creating 2v1 situations
- Swift’s roaming role between the lines
- High press forcing 15 turnovers in dangerous areas
“Corberán has instilled an identity at West Brom that blends possession with penetration,” observed former Premier League midfielder Jamie Redknapp on Melbet coverage.
FA Cup Roundup: Championship Sides Avoid Upsets
Birmingham’s Comeback Kings
John Eustace’s Birmingham came from behind to defeat League One strugglers Forest Green Rovers 2-1. After Ben Stevenson’s spectacular 25-yard curler put the hosts ahead, Blues showed their Championship quality with Lukas Jutkiewicz’s powerful equalizer and Kevin Long’s smart 65th-minute winner.
Bristol City’s Extra-Time Hero
Sam Bell announced himself with a stunning 111th-minute winner as Bristol City edged Swansea 2-1 in a thrilling replay. The 20-year-old substitute cut in from the left before firing past Andy Fisher to set up that intriguing West Brom tie.
Luton’s Last-Gasp Drama
Elijah Adebayo became Luton’s hero with a 98th-minute winner at Wigan, completing a 2-1 comeback after Thelo Aasgaard’s spectacular volley had put the Latics ahead.
Looking Ahead: Fourth Round Preview
The FA Cup fourth round promises several intriguing matchups:
- West Brom vs Bristol City: Championship playoff contenders collide
- Birmingham vs Blackburn: Two historic clubs battle for quarterfinal spot
- Luton vs Grimsby: Potential banana skin for the Hatters
Melbet will provide exclusive tactical breakdowns of all these clashes, with particular focus on whether West Brom can maintain their scintillating form against Nigel Pearson’s Robins.
Conclusion: West Brom’s Cup Credentials Strengthened
This comprehensive victory proves West Brom are serious about their FA Cup ambitions while showcasing Corberán’s tactical evolution. With Swift pulling the strings and defensive solidity (just 0.32 xG conceded), the Baggies have every right to dream of Wembley.
Who do you think will progress furthest in this season’s FA Cup – West Brom, Birmingham, or another Championship side? Share your predictions with the Melbet community below!
