Why Sunderland need to follow the example set by West Brom

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Sunderland are bottom of the Premier League with just two points.

It has been a terrible start to the Premier League for David Moyes and Sunderland, who sit bottom of the league with just two points, with their second point coming from a 1-1 draw with West Bromwich Albion last weekend.

In contrast, the Baggies sit in ninth place with nine points, almost a quarter of the way to the magic 40 points with only seven games gone.

Tony Pulis is not a trendy manager. His style of football frustrates most people, from his opponents to his own supporters, with some West Brom fans struggling to watch the negative way in which their team are playing the beautiful game.

However, Sunderland could learn a thing or two from West Brom, and the stats show how much better the West Midlands club do in key areas.

Neither side see a lot of the ball, with both teams averaging 38% possession from the opening seven games, but West Brom make much better use of it.

Pulis’s side have scored eight goals this season, two more than Moyes’ men. Neither side are prolific in front of goal, which is why keeping them out at the other end is so important, which is where the Welshman earns his money.

The Baggies’ stubborn defence have only conceded seven goals this season, with the leaky Black Cats back line being breached 13 times, almost double that of West Brom.

Pulis knows his side are not going to score for fun, so he ensures his team are disciplined and tight at the back, meaning one goal might just be enough. In contrast, Sunderland’s defence are far from disciplined, and individual errors have already cost them this season.

One area where Pulis thrives is attacking set pieces, with half of West Brom’s goals coming from dead ball scenarios this season, while Sunderland are yet to celebrate a goal from a free kick, corner or penalty.

West Brom may not play sexy football, but they will continue to play Premier League football with Pulis at the helm, and Moyes needs to follow the example they set.