Blackburn Rovers 1-2 West Bromwich Albion: Baggies dominant in away win

Alex Mowatt smashed in his second goal in successive games inside 30 seconds to put Albion ahead at Ewood

West Bromwich Albion made it three wins from four games to maintain their unbeaten start to the Championship season at Blackburn, whose second-half goal knocked the Baggies off the summit.

The platform was laid with goals at the beginning and end of the first 45 minutes.

Inside the first 30 seconds, Jake Livermore's far-post effort had already hit the bar before Alex Mowatt's stunning left-foot volley from the edge of the box found the top left corner.

Karlan Grant then crossed for Matt Phillips to slide in and finish at the far post.

Chile international Ben Brereton Diaz continued his own bright start to the campaign by pulling one back for Rovers in the second period when England's Sam Johnstone miscued fly hack fell kindly into his oath, but it was a scoreline which flattered the hosts.

That reply for former Baggies boss Tony Mowbray's Blackburn meant that Albion ended the day back in second, below new leaders Fulham, who are also on 10 points but a goal better off after their 2-0 win against Hull City.

But Albion had enough chances to have built on the lead, racking up an incredible 23 attempts, 11 of them on target, as only goalkeeper Thomas Kaminski's bravery between the sticks denied the visitors more goals.

Grady Diangana failed to beat the Belgian from close range, while the lively Callum Robinson was twice foiled smartly, notably when he turned his effort onto the post, and Albion hit the woodwork for a third time when Darnell Furlong struck the frame of the goal with a header.

Both these sides came into the game unbeaten but, following their return to the second tier after relegation, Albion have already staked their promotion credentials with this confident start.

The only concern for Valerien Ismael's side was their inability to finish chances in an otherwise relentless display and an injury to Matt Clarke which saw Semi Ajayi introduced in the first half.

Rovers' defensive effort deserved credit and they remained committed to finding an equaliser late on with chances for Jacob Davenport and Darragh Lenihan.