1

West Bromwich Albion FC / Atmosphere at Home Games

« on: April 01, 2024, 08:15:41 PM »

A frustrating game today, for sure. The performance, like the first half of Millwall, wasn't anywhere near the level, with the majority of the XI nowhere near their best.

However, I am finding it really difficult with large sections of 'fans' around my seat. I appreciate that the Albion can be a place to let off some steam from a week at work; and when there is time to give criticism at games, I'm one of the first. With our superb home record, I get the impression people just turn up and expect us to win, but teams like Watford are littered with Premier League players - they just lack consistency.

BTA has huge limitations as a footballer and he should have buried that one in the first half. Yet, even after he scored an excellent goal to get us back in the game, when he misplaced a simple ball, there were people swearing and screaming for him to be taken off. I'm also no Adam Reach fan but to boo an Albion player coming on, when we're 5th in the league? I find it really difficult to sit and listen to. Funnily enough, he actually played quite well.

Wondering if I am the only one here?

2

West Bromwich Albion FC / From 4-2-3-1 to 4-4-2

« on: January 15, 2012, 06:55:58 PM »

After watching every home game this season and listening to the phone in's after the Norwich game yesterday I'm just wondering what the justification is for changing formations from last season.

When Roy came in he was a breath of fresh air but instead of radically changing the side we started to pick up results due to the newly found organisation in the team.

4-2-3-1 allowed us to play Scharner and Mulumbu in those withdrawn roles and provide the back four with some real protection however what was more important was that it allowed Brunt Morrison/Dorrans Thomas to attack. As Thomas is the traditional winger, the formation suited them, allowing them to swap positions and cause the opposition some real problems. It also suited Odemwingie, with so much support it allowed him to be more free upfront. IMO it would also suit Long who has looked a better player on his own.

With this seasons rigid 4-4-2 we have had to resort to Morrison or Dorrans on the wing, albeit injuries, however how can any albion fan say these two have really done well on the wing would be wrong, and not many have. Morrison's best form has been in the middle and against Norwich his abilities were completely wasted. Yesterday when Morrison drifted in the middle, Scharner ended up on right wing, especially in the second half and that was a complete disaster. Also with the 4-4-2 we have Mulumbu and Scharner in the centre, with no real creativity, it appears when one attacks so does the other, there is no defined holding midfielder who will sit, win the ball and protect the back four.

I like Roy and he has worked wonders since joining us, however my question to him is:

Why fix something that wasn't broke?