‘It’s a surprise’ – Exclusive: Pundit shocked by Big Sam decision in Leeds defeat
We’re delighted to welcome former West Brom striker Kevin Phillips as our exclusive columnist. Each week he’ll be giving his views on the biggest talking points at The Hawthorns…
Kevin Phillips has admitted his surprise over the decision to leave West Brom playmaker Matheus Pereira on the bench against Leeds on Tuesday.
The Brazilian came off the bench and assisted the equaliser against Liverpool, but was still left out of the starting XI at the Hawthorns.
Big Sam decided against making any changes, but Phillips believes that could change for the upcoming clash against Arsenal.
Speaking exclusively to West Brom News, Phillips said, “Yes, but Sam has had a good time to work with these players, so he’s picked a side that he thought could go and get a result.
“It’s a surprise because of the weaknesses of Leeds, in terms of the way they defend set-plays, or they have done this season so it was an area they could try to exploit.
“He decided to not go with him, so slightly surprised, and obviously, he didn’t feel it was right to put him in, so it’ll be interesting to see if he puts him back in the side for the next game.”
It was a shock to see Pereira left out.
Romaine Sawyers kept his spot in midfield, and couldn’t have put in a worst performance if he tried against the high-press of Leeds.
The Baggies lacked any sort of attacking impetus, with Matt Phillips, Grady Diangana and Callum Robinson failing to link with Karlan Grant for the entire game.
No one has managed more key passes or shots on goal per game according to WhoScored this season than Pereira, and his influence is being sorely missed.
Changes need to be made, and desperately – will Pereira be one of those?
In other West Brom news, Allardyce shares Kieran Gibbs injury update after Leeds loss