‘Direct approach’ – Sky Sports pundit predicts result in West Brom clash v Tottenham
Sky Sports pundit Lewis Jones predicts that West Brom will lose to Tottenham in what’s now become a crunch game for us.
He doesn’t think Albion’s direct approach will work against a Jose Mourinho side happy to allow territory.
Writing in his regular predictions column on Sky Sports he said, “A home win is obviously the most likely result as the Baggies will wilt under significant attacking pressure like they have done all season.
“A switch to an unashamedly direct approach under Sam Allardyce has seen an upturn in the amount of times West Brom are getting caught offside.
“In four of the last 10 games in all competitions, the Baggies have been caught offside three or more times.
“With Spurs happy to allow plenty of territory, only Liverpool have caught more players offside than Jose Mourinho’s side.”
Jones predicts the score will be 2-0 to Spurs.
They all lump it long
Allardyce sides are known for adopting the more direct approach, and it’s seen him find success at many clubs.
In the league this season, there are ten more teams to have played long balls than West Brom. They’ve attempted 987, with Spurs only playing ten less, 977 [WyScout].
Sam Johnstone has played the third most long balls in the entire league, 242, but this can be expected from a goalkeeper. Eric Dier of Spurs has played the 6th most of any outfield player, with 169.
Whilst yes, the direct approach is an Allardyce trademark, there are several teams taking this approach in 2020/21.
The January signings do suggest other avenues are being explored. Big Sam brought in five new faces to the Hawthorns as he attempts to beat the drop.
Robert Snodgrass and Ainsley Maitland-Niles are two fantastic additions. They’ll provide legs in midfield and will want to get in the ball to make things happen.
Previously, Allardyce has somewhat neglected the midfield and focused on solid centre-halves to link up play to big strikers, most notably Kevin Davies at Bolton and John Carew at West Ham.
Maitland-Niles could be a sign we’re going to do things differently and it could be the last throw of the dice for us.
We have to get something from this game.
In other West Brom news, Michael Owen has called the Spurs clash a ‘must-win’ game.