‘Fantastic’ – Sky pundit raves about Bilic decision that could have gone ‘Spectacularly wrong’
Andy Hinchcliffe has heaped praise on West Brom boss Slaven Bilic for his decision to make five changes against Sheffield Wednesday.
The Croatian made some bold changes bringing in Dara O’Shea, Kyle Bartley, Rekeem Harper, Filip Krovinovic and Charlie Austin.
Sky Sports pundit, Hinchcliffe claimed that could have backfired in South Yorkshire, but the opposite happening in the resounding victory.
Hinchcliffe admitted that those decisions make Bilic the quality manager he is at the Hawthorns as he looks to guide the Baggies back to the Premier League.
“It was just about winning for West Brom,” he said on Sky Sports’ EFL podcast.
“Slaven Bilic, again, underlined just what a fantastic coach he is. He made five changes to that West Brom side that started the game, that’s a big call.
“That’s half the outfield players that you’re changing, so that could have gone spectacularly wrong, and everyone would be saying ‘what on earth are you doing’ but he clearly knew what he was doing.”
After the Brentford game, changes were definitely needed. What people didn’t expect is the five that Bilic made.
Suggestions from fans were that they wanted to see both Austin and Krovinovic, but O’Shea, Harper and Bartley coming in were somewhat of a surprise.
It definitely worked though, with O’Shea winning the penalty that got the Baggies on their way after a difficult start at Hillsborough.
The switch in formation to 4-3-3 certainly helped Matheus Pereira earn more freedom, and he took it superbly, scoring twice and earning WhoScored’s Man of the Match award.
With Hull City next up at the Hawthorns, Bilic will be expected to keep his attacking style going, but it will be interesting to see if the likes of Jake Livermore return.
In other West Brom news, this journalist has responded to the Albion being linked with Dwight Gayle once again
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