Analysis: Blunted West Brom struggling without attacking quartet
Albion are blunted. It is no great mystery that demands a rocket scientist to work out where they are struggling at the moment.
Key absentees in the final third have hit Carlos Corberan’s squad and there’s no doubt – especially after Saturday’s goalless home draw with Plymouth – this five-game spell will be a challenge.
Albion’s challenge is to come through the period until next month’s international break with a suitable points return to keep them in and around the sides contesting in the top half and towards the top six places.
It wasn’t thrilling against a plucky, lively and fearless Pilgrims side. Something of a game of two halves, Argyle were the better for the first period and Albion improved after the break.
Still, shortcomings in the final third made it so the hosts never truly looked like scoring against last season’s League One champions.
It could have been worse. One of Plymouth’s talented youngsters, Morgan Whittaker, crashed the woodwork early on and Albion were indebted to goalkeeper Alex Palmer for a crucial save on the stroke of half-time, key in taking a point. Plymouth would have been good value for a half-time lead.
The Baggies’ clear chance came through Grady Diangana barely a minute into the second period. Found from a Jed Wallace cross from the left, the winger had space from close range but couldn’t quite settle to score and he was smothered.
