‘If we are going to stay up…’ – Bilic singles out key man in West Brom survival fight
West Brom boss Slaven Bilic has declared that Sam Johnstone’s performances will be crucial as his side attempt to stay in the Premier League.
Johnstone registered his first clean sheet of the season against Burnley in the Baggies’ last Premier League outing and that came off the back of an impressive performance against Southampton before the international break.
Speaking to the Express and Star, Bilic praised Johnstone’s development this season and claimed that he will need to keep up his good performances if Albion are to avoid relegation.
He said, “Without a good keeper, nobody has got a chance, we have good goalkeepers but I am extremely happy with him [Johnstone].
“He had a couple of good games, a few good saves against Southampton. A couple of good saves against Burnley and he is confident. And that is what we need. We need that kind of performance week-in, week-out if we are going to stay up.”
Johnstone has been criticised by some Baggies fans this season but it is our view that he has actually been one of Albion’s top performers.
The 27-year-old should retain his place in net for Albion’s trip to Brighton on Monday night and with the Seagulls’ attacking threat Bilic will be hoping his keeper can keep another clean sheet.
It will be a tough game for the Baggies when they visit the Amex. Despite Brighton sitting just one place above Albion in the Premier League table they have produced some brilliant performances this season and were unlucky to not take a point of Manchester United when they lost 3-2.
But the Seagulls have only won once this season and have conceded three goals on three occasions in the league this season. This suggests that an attacking unit of Grady Diangana, Matheus Pereira and Karlan Grant could have some success against Brighton’s defence.
In other West Brom news, Mark Lawrenson predicts West Brom’s clash against Brighton.
Be sure to follow West Brom News on Facebook and Twitter for 24/7 updates on the Baggies and more exclusive interviews with Kevin Phillips.