‘It is the best way’ – Steve Madeley details how Allardyce can get best out of West Brom
Sam Allardyce must be prepared to alter his tactics in order to get the best out of the West Brom squad he has inherited, according to The Athletic’s Steve Madeley.
West Brom picked up a vital point in their quest for Premier League survival on Sunday as they impressively held Liverpool to a 1-1 draw at Anfield, but Madeley believes Allardyce has room to improve after his team was too passive in the first half.
While the Baggies appeared timid in the opening half, reverting to the edge of their own box as they attempted to repel waves after waves of Liverpool attacks, the second period was more aggressive from the visitors, and they reaped their reward when Semi Ajayi rose to score his first Premier League goal.
In his article for The Athletic, Madeley notes, “He has a squad designed to play the possession-based, easy-on-the-eye style that won promotion under Slaven Bilic but a squad who lack the quality to do the same in the Premier League.
“Still, though, for all the limitations of the tools at Allardyce’s disposal, his side do better when they blend defensive structure with some boldness, aggression and attacking intent.
“It is the best way to reap the benefits of the organisation that Allardyce will undoubtedly add.”
While fans and journalists alike might want Allardyce’s to show their more expressive side, the one-time England manager might point to the Baggies impressive defensive and attacking statistics in the 1-1 draw at Anfield as evidence that his patient approach is the right one.
According to WhoScored statistics, Liverpool only managed two shots on target against West Brom, including the goal scored by Sadio Mane in the first half.
The Baggies, meanwhile, had three shots on goal, all in the second half.
They could even have scored earlier than they did, as Karlan Grant’s breakaway effort was saved by Alisson in the Liverpool goal.
Until Allardyce is afforded the opportunity to stamp his own authority on the team by making some key attacking signings, he might be wise to stick to his principles and follow the blueprint laid by the draw at Anfield, and continue to soak up pressure before nicking a goal late on.
In other West Brom news, fans vent frustration at midfield ‘passenger’ against Liverpool.
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