Jed Wallace shares what West Brom must do after Watford loss to earn Premier League promotion
By Matthew Smith
Jed Wallace believes West Brom will win promotion if they emulate their second-half performance in the 3-2 defeat to Watford across future Championship matches.
The Baggies fell behind to Ken Sema’s first-half effort at Vicarage Road and struggled to threaten the hosts during a lacklustre opening 45 minutes.
However, Carlos Corberan’s side did come to life in the second period, equalising twice through Conor Townsend and Wallace, before seeing a third deflection-impacted goal win the game for ex-boss Slaven Bilic and Watford.
Wallace took immense confidence from the improved second-half display telling the club’s official website (20 February): “It was a positive message from the gaffer really after the game. Just learn from it.
“It’s hard really, you’ve got your head in your hands a bit, just disappointing, majorly disappointing for the group of players.
“It’s been a tough four days. We’ve thrown away points that we shouldn’t have. Now it’s down to us to roll our sleeves up, be strong characters and bounce back on Saturday.
“If we play like we did second half for the rest of the season we’ll be close, if not achieve our goal which is what we’re desperate to do.”
He is not wrong
Whilst it is hard to argue with the former Millwall winger, the focus has to be placed on producing a significantly better first-half showing.
Bar a miscued header from Brandon Thomas-Asante, it is hard to think of an occasion when the visitors looked like they would cause Daniel Bachmann a problem.
Those associated with Watford have even acknowledged the Hornets also performed below par, leading to questions of how an in-form side would have taken advantage of such a disappointing early display.
Nevertheless, Corberan will have learned from the dissatisfaction of defeat. Fans can hope that he will make changes for the match against Middlesbrough next week as the Spaniard has done on previous occasions.
For example, Albion appeared a greater force to contend with once Jayson Molumby replaced Nathaniel Chalobah and you would expect him to start against Michael Carrick’s team. The 23-year-old provided tenacity and bite in midfield, while also assisting Wallace’s goal.
In other West Brom news, Bilic has shared his verdict on Corberan after Watford’s win over the Albion.