View: The key change Bilic must make for West Brom to survive in the Premier League
West Brom have had a tough start to life back in the Premier League, picking up just three points from their opening six matches.
The Baggies have scored six goals so far, with three of them coming in a wild first half against Chelsea, while 14 have gone in at the other end (via WhoScored). On this basis, it would be fair to say that Slaven Bilic and his coaching staff have a few issues to address.
A brief look at the numbers shows that West Brom have certainly struggled in attack and possession so far this season. Filip Krovinovic, Grady Diangana and Matheus Pereira have all retained their starting places since last season, but none have had the same sort of impact as they managed in the Championship.
According to FBRef, West Brom have completed the fourth-fewest passes in the Premier League, while WhoScored data shows that they are averaging 42.5% possession per match.
Furthermore, they have the lowest number of expected assists in the Premier League with 1.9, and have produced just 3.4 expected goals in six games, again the lowest number in the division. Similarly, no player has generated more than 0.5 expected goals.
However, Monday night’s performance against Brighton and Hove Albion showed some green shoots of recovery. With Diangana, Krovinovic, Pereira and Conor Gallagher once again positioned ahead of Jake Livermore in an offensive 4-1-4-1 formation, the Baggies had more possession than their opponents and managed nine shots to the Seagulls’ five. Krovinovic took two shots, more than he had managed during the rest of the season, while Pereira had three attempts.
West Brom’s passing was also more accurate, with 84% of passes completed, compared to the season average of 75.9%. The equalising goal they scored was good evidence of this, with Krovinovic prepared to play the progressive pass to unleash Callum Robinson on the right-wing.
So how do the Baggies maintain this? Bilic has to be brave and lean into the attacking quality he has at his disposal. Pereira, Krovinovic and Diangana have the quality to make the step up to the Premier League successfully, and the Croatian manager needs to trust them and allow them to express themselves.
The second half against Brighton was certainly progress, and continuing to play with the attacking intent that got them promoted is the club’s best chance of success this season.
In other West Brom news, ‘People didn’t want him’, ‘So good’ – Some West Brom fans hail unsung hero in 1-1 v Brighton