West Brom get new era off to flying start as they pull clear in playoff race

West Brom extended their lead over the teams vying for a spot in the Championship playoffs, gaining a seven-point advantage with their triumph over fellow top-six side Coventry by a score of 2-1. Celtic's temporary player Mikey Johnston delivered a stunning goal to give Albion an early lead, followed by Grady Diangana doubling their advantage. Haji Wright, who came on as a substitute, responded for Coventry with a successful penalty shot.

West Brom just had their first game under new owner Shilen Patel after he acquired the club from Chinese businessman Guochuan Lai for a whopping £60m. The Baggies dominated from the get-go and within just seven minutes of play, they were already leading. It was Johnston who stole the show, showcasing exactly why head coach Carlos Corberán brought him on board. Johnston received the ball out wide and skillfully weaved his way past several Coventry defenders before expertly curving the ball beyond the reach of Ben Wilson.

At the beginning of the match, Albion was in control, but Josh Eccles of the visiting team almost scored after taking a couple of long-range shots. He almost succeeded in a well-executed corner, when the ball was passed to the edge of the penalty area and he tried to curl it into the net. However, the timing was off, and the ball passed by the goalpost.

Kasey Palmer neared the goal from afar, but the team playing on their ground increased their lead 10 minutes prior to the end of the first half. Tom Fellows managed to create a bit of space between him and Jay Dasilva and provided a center for Diangana to score a volley inside the post.

Albion made the most of their limited chances in the first half and managed to score two goals. Despite a substitution made by Coventry at half-time, where Wright came on for O'Hare, their performance in the first 10 minutes of the second half remained the same.

Diangana missed a chance to score from a Johnston free-kick, while Townsend's long-range shot was deflected and went over the goal.

On the opposite side, Alex Palmer, the goalkeeper for West Brom made a great save as Victor Torp attempted to score. This helped the visitors gain a strong standing in the game. Palmer, who was a midfielder for Coventry also made an attempt to score, while Torp got very close to scoring from far away. Eventually, with just 18 minutes left in the game, the Sky Blues successfully reduced the opposition's lead.

During the match, Palmer was knocked down by Cédric Kipré in the penalty area. As a result, Wright replaced him and shot the ball into the goal, fooling the goalkeeper in the opposite direction.

After missing a golden opportunity to tie the game, Ellis Simms made Albion nervous. He even missed another chance as Coventry looked determined to level the score. Although Eccles attempted a shot, it was deflected wide. However, West Brom managed to maintain their lead until the final whistle.