Outperforming James Rodriguez – View: PL stat makes Big Sam decision even more baffling
Sam Allardyce’s decision to drop West Brom playmaker Matheus Pereira for the Premier League clash against Spurs was baffling, to say the least.
The Brazilian has been one of very few bright sparks since promotion to the top-flight, and the North London side wasn’t exactly in the best run of form.
Pereira was dropped for a massively defensive formation in the 2-0 defeat, and he impressed after coming off the bench, creating numerous chances.
TheOther14 is an account that compares the stats of players outside of the Top Six in the Premier League, and their recent findings have made this recent decision even more baffling.
Pereira has created 31 chances so far this season, 22 of those from open play with the other nine coming from set-pieces – a real weapon for the Baggies.
Looking at the names below Pereira just proves how well he has been doing.
James Rodriguez at Everton has been named one of the best signings of the season, with Raphinha at Leeds also shining since his move from Rennes.
Yet, here is Pereira, smashing them both out of the water despite playing under the negative defensive tactics of both Allardyce and Slaven Bilic.
Pereira must be brought back in against Manchester United.
No West Brom player completed more key passes or dribbles than the South American against Spurs according to WhoScored, despite him only playing 10 minutes.
Big Sam needs to accept he made a massive mistake against Spurs and quickly needs to make up for that by bringing him straight back in.
In other West Brom news, the Baggies must tie down the future of Conor Townsend