Ralph Hasenhuttl left ‘Surprised’ by key West Brom stat ahead of Sunday clash
Southampton boss Ralph Hasenhuttl has been left “surprised” at the defensive struggles of West Brom in the Premier League this season.
The Baggies travel to St.Mary’s on Sunday looking for their first three points after getting off the mark last time out against Chelsea.
Bilic’s men have already conceded 11 goals in their opening three games – the worst defence in the entire division.
Hasenhuttl claimed that he still expects the Baggies to be organised in defence, and have been unlucky in the opening month of the season.
“It has surprised me a bit they’ve had so many goals,” he said. “I know they have a good counter-attack and a good transition. But they are always organised in their defence.
“I think against Chelsea, in the end, they struggled a little bit, but it’s a difficult side they play against who will create chances, and in the end, they lost two points.
“Against Everton, I think the result can be a completely different one. I saw a very good organised team, and they could have gone two-zero, but then the game went in a very different direction.
“I think it’s a strong side, they get promoted, they have good organisation. Will be a tough game for us and sure we must be in very good shape and organised, otherwise it’s difficult against this opponent.”
When examining the goals conceding by the Baggies, there is a strong case to say they have been very unlucky this season.
Excluding goals from set-pieces, which can not be excused – the two penalties against Leicester were genuine mistakes that could have been avoided.
The Albion were controlling the game against Everton before Kieran Gibbs’ red card, and if Tammy Abraham’s equaliser was disallowed for handball – which it should have, things would have been much better.
Hasenhuttl is right to be surprised, and Sunday would be the perfect time to keep the doubters quiet by leaving the south coast with three points and a clean sheet.
In other West Brom news, Slaven Bilic shares if Filip Krovinovic will feature v Southampton
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