West Bromwich Albion continued their winless run as we speak as they may solely grind out a 0-0 bore draw towards Luton City.
Steve Bruce employed a tactical tweak by choosing a three-at-the-back system, with Conor Townsend and Matt Phillips because the wing-backs.
This appears to have labored defensively, as they restricted the Hatters to simply three photographs on track. Nonetheless, it left Albion equally toothless up entrance, as they may solely mustered the identical quantity.
The 61-year-old will definitely really feel the stress mounting now, as this end result marked a ninth recreation and not using a win for the Baggies.
While neither of the aforementioned wing-backs performed notably nicely, with the previous solely mustering a 6.5 common SofaScore ranking, it was Phillips who was really horrible as we speak.
Admittedly taking part in barely out of place, he confirmed simply how out of his depth he was in a full-back position with a torrid defensive show and an impotent attacking output.
Who was the worst wing again as we speak for West Brom?
Matt Phillips
Conor Townsend
The Scotsman performed 86 minutes as we speak and managed to lose possession an astounding 27 occasions. This may be traced again partly to his two unsuccessful dribble makes an attempt and 25% crossing accuracy, displaying how wasteful he was with the ball.
As talked about already, his defensive show was not a lot better. He didn’t make a single deal with or clearance all day, together with his solely actual contribution being his three interceptions.
Townsend additionally managed no tackles or clearances, however not less than he was much less wasteful in possession, shedding the ball simply 19 occasions by comparability.
Regardless of the clear sheet, Bruce should see after this efficiency that he clearly doesn’t have the personnel for a wing-back formation. Nonetheless, the outcomes of late would possibly imply that he can have few matches left to make such tweaks.
Albion nonetheless sits two factors adrift of security within the relegation zone, with Huddersfield City beneath them possessing two video games in hand as nicely.
Issues are wanting bleak for West Brom and Bruce, who might half methods sooner relatively than later in an try and cease this rut.
The supervisor can blame each of his wing-backs for an absence of attacking risk as we speak which might have gained them the sport, with Phillips notably wasteful and ineffective.
