West Bromwich Albion 1-1 Manchester United: 5 Talking Points as Red Devils lose more ground in title race | Premier League 2020-21 

#3 West Bromwich Albion's physicality overwhelms Manchester United

West Bromwich Albion repelled almost every Manchester United attack.

Apart from a double chance Manchester United were presented in the 70th minute, West Bromwich Albion thwarted the visitors on almost every other occasion.

The hosts maintained their positional discipline and defended with gusto to keep their more illustrious visitors at bay.

Allardyce's side forced Manchester United to play the ball out wide, which explained why Rashford and Martial did not see much of the ball in the West Bromwich Albion box.

Manchester United, though, had a penalty that was overturned because Harry Maguire was apparently off-side. Otherwise, West Bromwich Albion also thwarted the visitors from breaking through the middle.

Can't keep up. Ref seemed to signal a penalty and then it's a goal kick. Maguire was not offside, apparently. Must not tweet until the ball has been kicked with these refs.

— Samuel Luckhurst (@samuelluckhurst) February 14, 2021

---

#4 West Bromwich Albion could have taken all three points

Sam Allardyce's West Bromwich Albion took the attack to Manchester United on the counter.

While West Bromwich Albion's struggles continue, they'll take a host of positives from their draw against Manchester United.

They were the superior team in the air both defensively and offensively. Manchester United played second fiddle for most of the match.

It was a performance typical of a Sam Allardyce side; solid at the back and blistering on the break. However, Manchester United lacked the urgency and accuracy with the final ball.

📸 - Maguire let’s his opponent get past him but De Gea is there to prevent him from scoring. pic.twitter.com/D1Vezb3ggI

— 𝐀𝐅𝐂 𝐀𝐉𝐀𝐗 💎 (@TheEuropeanLad) February 14, 2021

West Bromwich Albion came close through Robert Snodgrass in the first half. But the former Hull City winger's header was tipped over the bar.

Diagne then fluffed his lines off a sensational cross in the 88th minute, while he also saw his effort saved by de Gea in a one-on-one situation.

Manchester United can consider themselves a tad fortuitous that they could eventually force a share of the spoils on the night.

Albion have had the three best chances of the half, without question, and haven't converted any of them. #wba

— Joe Chapman (@ChapmanJ92) February 14, 2021

---

#5 Conor Gallagher is coming of age for West Bromwich Albion

Conor Gallagher is West Bromwich Albion's silver lining this season.

It was a sensational performance without the ball and on the break from West Bromwich Albion.

The team's defensive application ensured Manchester United were out of ideas, but one player whose all-round display caught the eye was Chelsea loanee Conor Gallagher.

The 21-year-old was a complete package in the Baggies midfield. He sat deep to block the channels and intercept longe passes; Gallagher also impressed on the ball whenever West Bromwich Albion ventured forward.

In a system like West Bromwich Albion's, it's essential for a midfielder to have quality and creativity on the ball. Gallagher demonstrated both of the attributes with a delightful cross for the opener; he also showed his intelligence to drop into deeper positions when required.

The Chelsea loanee is one to watch out for the future, as he isn't afraid to break into dangerous areas and let fly from distance as well.