Tony Pulis headed into this weekend’s game against West Ham under growing pressure. Let’s take a look back at his season so far.
West Bromwich Albion headed into their first game away at Crystal Palace with only one new summer recruit in their starting line-up – Matt Phillips. Despite this, manager Tony Pulis engineered a 1-0 victory for his side at Selhurst Park, with a Salomon Rondon header sealing all three points.
A week later, Everton arrived at The Hawthorns under their new boss Ronald Koeman. Pulis’s side took the lead through a Gareth McAuley header but they couldn’t resist an Everton comeback, as goals from Kevin Mirallas and Gareth Barry gave the Toffees all three points.
Pulis then took his side to the Sixfields Stadium for an EFL Cup Second-Round tie against League One Northampton Town. Pulis named a relatively strong side featuring Craig Dawson, Gareth McAuley, James Morrison and Saido Berahino. Albion struggled to dominate the Cobblers and the game went to penalties.
Berahino and Morrison missed from the spot to hand Pulis’ side an embarrassing cup exit. Pulis faced criticism from Albion’s sell-out travelling support but held firm that his team had done enough to win the game.
The following Sunday, Albion welcomed newly-promoted Middlesbrough to the Hawthorns. Pulis handed a first league start to academy prospect Sam Field, who impressed in an otherwise dull game.
The delayed substitution of Berahino was the only other talking point, as these two sides played out a stalemate. In his post-match interview, Pulis, once again, reiterated the importance of bringing in new players before the end of August.
The transfer window shut with Albion only adding Nacer Chadli, Allan Nyom and Hal Robson-Kanu. West Brom chairman John Williams came out with a post-deadline day statement addressing the club’s underwhelming transfer activity.
Following an international break, West Brom made the trip to the Vitality Stadium to face Bournemouth. Pulis started Berahino in a lone striker role and handed an Albion league debut to Nacer Chadli. A late Callum Wilson goal meant Albion went home frustrated and the travelling West Brom supporters let their displeasure be known.
On Saturday, West Brom welcomed West Ham to The Hawthorns – who themselves were reeling on the back of a 4-2 defeat against Watford. Pulis dropped Field; recalled James McClean and pushed Chadli into a role just behind the striker. His changes paid off and Albion took a 3-0 lead by half-time. There were some nervy moments in the second-half but Albion came through 4-2 winners.
Receive exclusive football transfer news and updates twice a week to your mailbox
