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Albion Matchday Forum / Re: In Game Chat
« on: January 20, 2024, 04:54:19 PM »
These lot need to get back on that training ground and practise their shooting - it's been abysmal.
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27
Albion Matchday Forum / Re: In Game Chat
« on: January 20, 2024, 04:43:34 PM »
Poor, this, but entirely predictable with our performances and form away from home.
Had some decent chances this second half but nowhere near clinical enough. Agree with an above post that the system or shape away from home may need to change.
We are comfortable in the play offs but won't finish there if we cannot turn things around on the road.
Had some decent chances this second half but nowhere near clinical enough. Agree with an above post that the system or shape away from home may need to change.
We are comfortable in the play offs but won't finish there if we cannot turn things around on the road.
28
West Bromwich Albion FC / Re: Brandon Thomas-Asante
« on: January 14, 2024, 11:49:55 AM »
I was just scanning the Championship Top Scorer page on BBC, and a few surprising things about BTA's stats stood out.
https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/championship/top-scorers
From watching him, his finishing, overall, appears to be a weakness of his; in particular 1-on-1s.
Yet, from the 23 players on the list he has the highest shot accuracy (71%) from, comparing to the others, a rather low shot amount of 35 (compare this to Morgan Whittaker's whopping 70!). His goal conversion was at 26%, the same as the prolific Adam Armstrong and only lower than 6 others.
I'm not saying we can't be critical of his shooting - as we watch him every week - but thought these stats just, perhaps, give a bit more context to where he is compared to the rest of the league.
Anyway, loved his positivity yesterday and with Dike pushing on, this can only benefit both of them and, of course, us.
https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/championship/top-scorers
From watching him, his finishing, overall, appears to be a weakness of his; in particular 1-on-1s.
Yet, from the 23 players on the list he has the highest shot accuracy (71%) from, comparing to the others, a rather low shot amount of 35 (compare this to Morgan Whittaker's whopping 70!). His goal conversion was at 26%, the same as the prolific Adam Armstrong and only lower than 6 others.
I'm not saying we can't be critical of his shooting - as we watch him every week - but thought these stats just, perhaps, give a bit more context to where he is compared to the rest of the league.
Anyway, loved his positivity yesterday and with Dike pushing on, this can only benefit both of them and, of course, us.
29
West Bromwich Albion FC / Re: Fenton Heard
« on: January 13, 2024, 07:09:17 PM »
I would say his performance against Aldershot earned him a chance to be part of a squad for a league game. His time will come but, like already stated, there are senior players who want to play and I would say keeping the squad happy is important at the moment. We did also have Fellows and Taylor on the pitch.
30
West Bromwich Albion FC / Re: Brandon Thomas-Asante
« on: January 13, 2024, 07:05:48 PM »
He can be frustrating but his work today was impressive, capped by much improved finishing. As Coberan has already mentioned, his pressing and link-up play was great today, too.
What is most pleasing, however, is that we have a player who is an excellent human being; somebody to really root for. His interview on WM really showcased his humble and honest personality.
What is most pleasing, however, is that we have a player who is an excellent human being; somebody to really root for. His interview on WM really showcased his humble and honest personality.
31
West Bromwich Albion FC / Re: Action For Albion/ Potential Takeover
« on: January 12, 2024, 05:50:34 PM »John Percy article.
West Bromwich Albion are in advanced talks with American entrepreneur Shilen Patel over a potential takeover of the Championship club.
Patel has emerged as the preferred choice for Albion’s owner Guochuan Lai, with a period of exclusivity set to be granted this month.
Previously the founder and chief executive of HealthAxis Group, a software company based in Tampa, Patel and his party are understood to have made progress in recent weeks over ending Lai’s seven-year ownership.
Telegraph Sport revealed last month that three parties were keen to buy West Brom, who are beset by financial difficulties and facing the prospect of losing first-team players in the January transfer window.
Patel is now at the front of the queue to complete a takeover, which will cost an estimated £30-35 million plus the additional loans to take the overall price closer towards £60 million.
The son of Dr Kiran Patel, whose net worth is an estimated $400 million, Patel has now assumed control of the family business.
Patel would have to pass the English Football League’s owners and directors’ test and, at this stage, there is no indication on how close the takeover will be.
Sources have confirmed, however, that talks are ongoing and there is a degree of optimism over a deal being completed.
Lai acquired the West Midlands club from Jeremy Peace for more than £200 million in July 2016.
He has come under heavy scrutiny after declining to pay back a £5 million loan which was paid to one of his companies in June 2021.
There is also an outstanding loan from the club to Peace’s company WBA Holdings Ltd which now stands at £5 million after interest. A further £2 million was taken out in September 2021, with Lai borrowing money from an independent lender that is not owed to the club.
Lai has also been unable to provide investment outside of television money and parachute payments, while borrowing over £20 million from American investment company MSD Holdings Limited, plus an additional loan last month.
West Brom are currently fifth in the Championship table under their highly regarded head coach Carlos Corberan. They face Blackburn at home on Saturday.
Cheers for this.
Sounds like he has a decent profile and, overall, very promising.
32
West Bromwich Albion FC / Re: Adam Reach signs
« on: January 01, 2024, 09:38:28 PM »How is almost perfect to protect a lead?
Did he learn how to tackle whilst injured?
Maybe 'almost perfect' is a little much but he ticks the boxes for somebody that you want on the pitch to defend a lead: happy to sit on the bench every game; works hard when he comes on; listens to the manager's instructions. You don't need a brilliant player to come on when winning - just one that will listen to instructions.
Our problem is that we will probably rely on him to change games and, even worse, start games...
33
Albion Matchday Forum / Re: After Match Debate
« on: January 01, 2024, 08:33:36 PM »
Such a difficult game to analyse. Better team first half and lost our way in the second.
Firstly, can't fault the players as we are massively weakened and they have given everything over these last few weeks. We urgently need attacking options in this window, for sure. It's a crisis, make no mistake about it; our only saving grace is that we have just under 2 weeks until our next league game and, we hope, a lot can happen before then...
We needed to have scored first half as we know how good we can be - and stodgy, too - when we go ahead. However, when we go behind, we're always in trouble. We simply do not have the options to get back into the game.
BTA
Reach - Pipa - Fellows
That was how we finished the game... that would do well to finish top half in League One.
Our away form is just so poor but the more you look at this squad, the more you cannot quite believe we are, at the moment, comfortably in the play offs.
Big few weeks coming.
Firstly, can't fault the players as we are massively weakened and they have given everything over these last few weeks. We urgently need attacking options in this window, for sure. It's a crisis, make no mistake about it; our only saving grace is that we have just under 2 weeks until our next league game and, we hope, a lot can happen before then...
We needed to have scored first half as we know how good we can be - and stodgy, too - when we go ahead. However, when we go behind, we're always in trouble. We simply do not have the options to get back into the game.
BTA
Reach - Pipa - Fellows
That was how we finished the game... that would do well to finish top half in League One.
Our away form is just so poor but the more you look at this squad, the more you cannot quite believe we are, at the moment, comfortably in the play offs.
Big few weeks coming.
34
West Bromwich Albion FC / Re: Adam Reach signs
« on: January 01, 2024, 08:09:49 PM »
There is nothing wrong with bringing Reach on to protect a lead - he's almost the perfect squad player for that. But we certainly will not be launching any kind of comeback when losing.
Yet, with our critical situation with such a lack of options on the wings atm, he is going to have to be used I am afraid.
Yet, with our critical situation with such a lack of options on the wings atm, he is going to have to be used I am afraid.
35
West Bromwich Albion FC / Re: Tom Fellows
« on: January 01, 2024, 08:06:06 PM »
I thought he did well today - similar to his many cameos from the bench. However, I never have any belief that he'll score or really threaten the goal when he's got himself in really good positions (BTA didn't do him any favours with the miss from his excellent work, mind).
With no genuine threat in the box, direct wingers like Fellows become almost redundant as inside forwards or wingers that cut in provide a greater direct goal threat.
With no genuine threat in the box, direct wingers like Fellows become almost redundant as inside forwards or wingers that cut in provide a greater direct goal threat.
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General Football & Sports / Re: Jeremy Sarmiento signs on loan - official.
« on: January 01, 2024, 02:15:34 PM »
De Zerbi quoted as saying: "I think he goes to play on loan to another team."
Disappointing, as surely they could have expected him to play some serious minutes in the next few weeks with our current situation.
However, he didn't show enough in his appearances for me. Huge potential and will undoubtedly get better, but the frustration is more about how we are at our barest of bones now.
Disappointing, as surely they could have expected him to play some serious minutes in the next few weeks with our current situation.
However, he didn't show enough in his appearances for me. Huge potential and will undoubtedly get better, but the frustration is more about how we are at our barest of bones now.
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Albion Matchday Forum / Re: Pre Match Chat
« on: December 28, 2023, 11:32:55 AM »Hoping BTA gets told to play with his back to goal and the attacking three (Sarmiento/Swift/Wallace) and Mowatt are told to shoot whenever they get a chance. Lets really make life hard for the backup 'keeper.
Karl Darlow always seems to have a good game against us.
Pretty sure he was between the sticks for Hull last year when they beat us at their place.
38
Albion Matchday Forum / Re: After Match Debate
« on: December 26, 2023, 06:54:40 PM »
Literally just seen Palmer's save during Norwich's only spell of pressure, where they had a couple of corners. Wow, a fantastic moment that got us over the line. Big credit to him.
39
Albion Matchday Forum / Re: After Match Debate
« on: December 26, 2023, 06:02:58 PM »
Superb performance before the red - thought we were unlucky not to be winning before that, especially with Swift's strike hitting the post (he was excellent, btw).
We should have scored another 2/3 after the goal but we'll take the win against a play-off rival. My only criticism was that it felt like death by 1,000 crosses. I thought we were extremely wasteful from the wide positions and if we had a physical threat in the box, it would have opened up space for others to attack.
A good response to the poor Boro performance.
We should have scored another 2/3 after the goal but we'll take the win against a play-off rival. My only criticism was that it felt like death by 1,000 crosses. I thought we were extremely wasteful from the wide positions and if we had a physical threat in the box, it would have opened up space for others to attack.
A good response to the poor Boro performance.
40
West Bromwich Albion FC / Re: Carlos Corberan
« on: December 23, 2023, 08:44:01 PM »This stupid low block 442 we’re playing without the ball is asking way too much of the wide players in terms of off the ball running. Assuming we are taken over, should we really trust Corberan to have a say in who we bring in? Think it’s fair to say the players that have been brought in since he arrived have all been extremely underwhelming to say the least.
You what!? And trust who else?
41
Albion Matchday Forum / Re: After Match Debate
« on: December 23, 2023, 04:57:33 PM »
That was garbage - the score flattered us. Some awful individual performances there against a Boro reserves.
42
General Football & Sports / Re: Jeremy Sarmiento signs on loan - official.
« on: December 09, 2023, 02:56:17 PM »I’m not basing my comment on today alone. Every time he takes all the pace out of our attack by doing stupid, meaningless step overs. That goal against Cardiff was a complete fluke.
So you're saying a 21-year-old Ecuadorian international, who the majority of the Championship would have wanted on loan, is terrible?
He's a raw talent and he does fade in and out of games but that is what young players do. He certainly needs to add consistency into his game but to call him terrible - not his performance - I just do not understand.
43
Albion Matchday Forum / Re: After Match Debate
« on: December 09, 2023, 02:51:32 PM »
Really poor performance that got it what it deserved. We didn't even deserve the goal at the end and our reaction to that, hardly getting in their half for 10 minutes, was also disappointing.
Firstly, injuries (again!) and suspensions in the last few weeks have pushed the squad into a state of disrepair, once again. To have to bring Pipa on at left wing - a fair decision for an inept Swift - said it all for me.
A shocking tackle on Maja and although I was initially frustrated as it's clearly going to be another member of the usual suspects injured again (Phillips, Dike, Maja, etc.) it is another helping of bad luck for him.
Thought Corberan got it wrong with Fellows; we've seen some bright cameos but it was early in the game and we needed some physicality up front. Those options at the top end of the pitch were collectively too weak.
They won a huge % of second balls and terrorised our full backs. Jack Clarke is a real talent at this level, that's for sure.
Townsend's involvement in that final goal summed it all up.
Corberan needs to get a reaction out of them for a very tough game away at Rotherham now.
Firstly, injuries (again!) and suspensions in the last few weeks have pushed the squad into a state of disrepair, once again. To have to bring Pipa on at left wing - a fair decision for an inept Swift - said it all for me.
A shocking tackle on Maja and although I was initially frustrated as it's clearly going to be another member of the usual suspects injured again (Phillips, Dike, Maja, etc.) it is another helping of bad luck for him.
Thought Corberan got it wrong with Fellows; we've seen some bright cameos but it was early in the game and we needed some physicality up front. Those options at the top end of the pitch were collectively too weak.
They won a huge % of second balls and terrorised our full backs. Jack Clarke is a real talent at this level, that's for sure.
Townsend's involvement in that final goal summed it all up.
Corberan needs to get a reaction out of them for a very tough game away at Rotherham now.
44
General Football & Sports / Re: Jeremy Sarmiento signs on loan - official.
« on: December 09, 2023, 02:45:20 PM »He is absolutely terrible.
What is with the statements of hyperbole?
He had a poor game, like every other Albion player on the pitch today.
45
West Bromwich Albion FC / Re: Action For Albion/ Potential Takeover
« on: December 05, 2023, 07:33:51 PM »
If anybody fancies a listen, Ali Jones from A4A spoke really well on the Not The Top 20 podcast about our current plight, including the situation regarding our most recent loan.
46
West Bromwich Albion FC / Re: Matty Phillips
« on: December 04, 2023, 07:48:36 PM »A chap who sits close by me said he likes Christmas at home.
Think this is extremely harsh.
We can a critical oh Phillips in recent years but every player says he’s the hardest trainer and he’s given it his all for the team this season.
I would say there is an issue with increased fixtures and potential cold weather on his muscles.
47
Albion Matchday Forum / Re: After Match Debate
« on: December 03, 2023, 05:47:54 PM »The decision to switch to a back four for the last few games is just baffling.
Eh? With a back four, we destroyed a top-class Ipswich team and controlled an away game against a potential play-off rival.
The only negative is that it guarantees an inept Townsend to start at LB.
48
Albion Matchday Forum / Re: After Match Debate
« on: December 02, 2023, 04:02:01 PM »
Gutted but can't be too critical - went toe to toe with the league leaders and we had them on the ropes in injury time. Why didn't Swift get his shot away earlier? Argh!
Don't blame us for going for it on the throw; Furlong's opposite side, which probably didn't help from an organisational point of view. I do think somebody HAS to take a man out as early on as possible. They did that loads throughout the game (Maresca learning from the best in the business for tactical fouls).
Shout out to the CBs: they were giants.
Don't blame us for going for it on the throw; Furlong's opposite side, which probably didn't help from an organisational point of view. I do think somebody HAS to take a man out as early on as possible. They did that loads throughout the game (Maresca learning from the best in the business for tactical fouls).
Shout out to the CBs: they were giants.
49
West Bromwich Albion FC / Re: Carlos Corberan
« on: November 25, 2023, 10:32:03 PM »
Obsessive genius.
What I love is how his coaching team compliments him. He has people he trusts and with his clinical, coach-first, attention-to-detail style, he clearly relies on people like Michael Hefele to keep spirits high and have more personal relationships with the players.
Up the Carlos - Up the Albion!
What I love is how his coaching team compliments him. He has people he trusts and with his clinical, coach-first, attention-to-detail style, he clearly relies on people like Michael Hefele to keep spirits high and have more personal relationships with the players.
Up the Carlos - Up the Albion!
50
West Bromwich Albion FC / Re: Kyle Bartley
« on: November 25, 2023, 09:28:09 PM »
I have given Bartley some serious criticism these last few years - and, at times, I truly believe it was deserved - however, the man has been an absolute colossus since he has returned to the team. His partnership with Kipre, on paper, spells mistakes, trouble and potential disaster - but huge credit to them both.
As good as any CBs in the league at the moment (with the wages that he earns, some may say that is due) and long may that continue.
As good as any CBs in the league at the moment (with the wages that he earns, some may say that is due) and long may that continue.