So the first test of Ismael's managerial reign has arrived. 3 teams have now set up with a low block, an aggressive defence and stood up to the aerial game and we have come away with only the 2 goals to show. The blueprint on how to stop our aggressive press is clear for all managers in the league now. Over to Ismael to find a solution.
We should have won tonight. Despite the lack of any truly clear cut chances, Roos has had a blinder tonight. We have had 3 or 4 shots in the box second half which have either been saved or blocked by the last man and Diangana has put in atleast 2 dangerous crosses that have whistled across the face of goal where an outstretched leg would have put us 1 up. On Diangana, he has had a good second half there, but despite all his effort, I can't think of a time one of his crosses in the last few games have found an Albion player. Lots of toil, not much end product.
We lack a cutting edge. I'd love to see one of the front 3 positions to include a player who is able to create something in tight spaces. Instead we have a number of quicker, athlete type players which can be nullified by the low block.
Preston up next. I hope Ismael makes tactical tweak but on the evidence of his subs so far I'm not convinced he will. Still top of the league, for now.