10 interceptions & 8 clearances – View: WBA ace puts in coming of age masterclass v City
West Brom pulled off a miraculous display on Tuesday evening as they managed to draw 1-1 with Manchester City at the Etihad.
The performance has been somewhat forgotten already, with the Baggies confirming the sacking of Slaven Bilic on Wednesday.
The Croatian finally switched system before his departure, and went with a back four against City, dropping the experienced Branislav Ivanovic.
Step forward, Dara O’Shea.
The young Irish international had the pressure of the world on his shoulders to keep the likes of Raheem Sterling, Gabriel Jesus and Kevin De Bruyne quiet all evening.
He did just that alongside Semi Ajayi, as the Albion finally found their best defensive partnership in the face of adversity.
O’Shea was phenomenal all evening, winning 88% of his defensive duels according to WyScout. As well as that, the 21-year-old completed 10 interceptions and eight clearances for the Baggies.
Everyone knew that City would put relentless pressure on West Brom, and O’Shea only completing 12 passes proves just how little of the ball they had at the Etihad.
Ivanovic and Kyle Bartley have both failed to catch the eye this season, and have both put in numerous horror-shows in the Premier League.
O’Shea put in a masterclass on the eve of the potential arrival of Sam Allardyce, who should keep the same defence against Villa if he watching closely last night.
Big Sam is known for his strong defences though and could be tempted to draft back in the experience of Ivanovic in the midlands derby.
The young Irishman certainly did enough, and he will find himself massively hard done by to be dropped after this one, he must start on Sunday.
In other West Brom news, Ex-WBA defender throws name in the hat for Baggies role
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