Tony Brown: Brandon Thomas-Asante annoyed with himself after West Brom first-half blunder v Ipswich
West Brom legend Tony Brown believes Brandon Thomas-Asante will be furious with himself for missing the opening chance of the game against Ipswich Town on Saturday evening.
Only a few minutes had passed before Jed Wallace delivered a ball on a plate for the striker, who was in a great position in the box. However, the 24-year-old was unable to make any contact with the cross and the goal was still gaping.
Bomber Brown will probably be speaking from experience as a former forward for the Baggies, claiming to know how Thomas-Asante was feeling after the missed chance.
Speaking on BBC Radio WM (25 November, 5:36pm), Brown said “The cross is brilliant from Jed Wallace. He will be annoyed with himself, Thomas-Asante.
“He’ll know that he should have scored there. He was still on the ground, shaking his head. It was a great opportunity.
“He does everything right apart from make a connection [with the ball].
Luckily, the striker’s blushes were spared just a matter of moments later, as a Matt Phillips cross found the head of Darnell Furlong, who looped a dainty header into the far post to give West Brom the lead.
An opportunity to gain consistency
There is no doubt that Thomas-Asante is a talented striker. However, he is far too hot and cold to be prolific in the Championship. Carlos Corberan will see many positives in him, but will also hope he continues to develop quickly.
The forward has four goals in 14 appearances before Saturday night’s game, and his second and third of the season are separated by seven matches, while his first and second are in consecutive games, and so too are his third and fourth.
Even without John Swift in the starting XI, there is enough creativity in the team to supply Thomas-Asante with chances. He just needs to take them.
Correct as of 24 November, Thomas-Asante has 13 shots on target this season, accounting for just 62 per cent of his total shots. And with a 4.53 xG, it is clear that he is underperforming. But his reaction to the missed chance is an indication of what he expects of himself, and that is goals.
It should just be a matter of time before he becomes more clinical in front of goal. He is well on his way to beating his record of seven Championship goals last season, and Corberan’s trust in the youngster will only help his development.
In other West Brom news, Corberan has confirmed two players will return from injury.