West Brom suffered a late defeat at the Vitality Stadium against Bournemouth on Saturday. Here are 5 observations from another disappointing Albion result.
1) Some Albion fans can’t stand Pulis-ball anymore
As Bournemouth comfortably closed out the final minutes of the game, West Brom’s away following began to voice their displeasure at Pulis’ style of football. Chants of “Tony Pulis, your football is s**t” and, less audibly, “Pulis out”, sent a clear message that Albion’s diehard following have had enough.
Pulis has never won the universal support of West Brom fans, with boos common after poor performances, but this was the most vocal protest against him during his tenure. This is a Tony Pulis side that relies heavily on industry over quality; only looks threatening from set pieces; sits back rather than trying actively to beat teams; and looks void of ideas when they go behind. It’s hard for Baggies fans to feel proud of a team set up in this way and the blame for this must fall on the head coach.
2) Albion’s lack of pace could be costly
West Brom’s opponents on Saturday had an array of young, pacey and exciting attacking players. Bouremouth started the game with the impressive Jordan Ibe, Joshua King and Callum Wilson – with Max Gradel coming off the bench late in the game. Albion simply do not have the pace in their side to trouble the opposition.
Tellingly, West Brom are yet to score a league goal in open play. The likes of Chadli, Leko and Phillips need to be given more freedom to influence games; especially when Albiom are at home or when they go behind. Bournemouth displayed the benefits of pace in the Premier League and Albion will have to do without for now.
3) Berahino left isolated
Bournemouth were on top for the majority of the first half and West Brom seemed to lose the ball every time it went forward. Berahino struggled in his lone striker role, not physical enough to compete with the Bournemouth centre-backs, and not fast enough to offer an option in behind.
He was replaced by Rondon on 63 minutes and the Venezuelan fared no better. Under Pulis, defensive duties take priority – even for the forwards. Berahino did still have some chances but it must be a difficult task for him when most of his energy is spent endlessly chasing the ball.
4) Substitutions had the wrong impact
At around the 70th minute mark, Baggies fans know that Craig Gardner will coming on for his obligatory substitute appearance. Gardner is an honest and hardworking member of the Albion squad, but his arrival often signifies surrender from Pulis.
Yesterday, Gardner was brought on during Albion’s best spell of the game. Soon after, the Baggies urgency dropped, and with Wilshere now on the pitch, Bournemouth regained control of the match. Jonathan Leko is a good option off the bench, but he came on when Albion’s spark had fizzled out.
5) Imbalance in the centre of midfield
West Brom’s midfield did look more promising with Phillips and Chadli out wide, but there is little to get excited about going forwards in the centre of midfield. Fletcher, Field and Yacob all performed adequately, but this is a trio that lacks forward impetus and dynamism.
Yacob is the enforcer and never expected to offer anything going forwards. Field has started his West Brom career well, offering tidy possession football, but offered nothing decisive in attacking positions this Saturday. Occasionally, Fletcher makes efforts to support the forward players but it isn’t enough to enough to worry the opposition. Albion are craving the return of James Morrison to offer those final third defence splitting passes.
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