Much last week’s 2-0 win over Middlesbrough – during which Boro had 71.5% possession and 28 shots – the stats suggested that Gerhard Struber’s side had it far from their own way in the West Midlands.
Ryan Mason’s Baggies conjured an expected goals of 2.36 compared to City’s 0.74 and had the same number of touches in the box as the visitors during the first half (8), yet it was the Robins who ended the opening period two goals up.
After suffering their 10th loss of the season last week at Hull, Mason said that Albion “didn’t take our chances when we got them in the first half”, and the former Tottenham caretaker boss was left ruing similar issues as they ended the match with 16 shots and the majority of possession (64.5%).
City’s Mehmeti opened the scoring in the fourth minute with a low effort from distance that crept through a crowded area and past a static Joe Wildsmith.
The Robins then doubled their lead when wing-back McCrorie lashed home at the near post following a swift move across the pitch.
Albion had chances before the break, with Robins keeper Max O’Leary making key saves to deny Diakite and Isaac Price.
Albion dominated even more in the second half with City seemingly happy to sit off and finally broke through when Diakite headed in from Mikey Johnston’s corner for his first Baggies goal.
Grant then went close to snatching a point when he slashed the ball against the crossbar following a corner in what was the final play of the game.