Tony Brown blasts ‘horrible, terrible’ West Brom star Brandon Thomas-Asante in loss v Sunderland
Tony Brown has blasted “woeful” and “terrible” West Brom striker Brandon Thomas-Asante for his poor performance in the 1-0 defeat against Sunderland in which he was sent off before half-time.
Thomas-Asante was ineffective in his time on the pitch, failing to capitalise on a one-on-one opportunity before being sent off for two reckless yellow cards in the space of two minutes.
Brown felt the 25-year-old was at fault for spoiling a promising move due to a lack of clarity about what to do when he received the ball.
Speaking on BBC Radio WM [03:29pm, 13 April], Brown said: “Asante was caught in two minds – well, I think he was caught in three minds there.
“He didn’t know what to do with the ball when he got it – he looked to his left, he looked to his right, and then he started running centrally, and then that final ball was woeful.
“He’s had quite a few one-on-ones with keepers and he hasn’t stuck one away yet.”
After Thomas-Asante’s red card, Brown said [BBC Radio WM, 3:45pm]: “You know why that’s come about? Because his first touch was terrible.
“His first touch, he’s let the ball get away from him and then he’s gone lunging at it. And that’s why he’s got the second yellow and [why] he’s off.
“His first touch was horrible, terrible.”
A reckless, ineffective display for West Brom from Thomas-Asante
Thomas-Asante’s numbers against Sunderland do not make for pretty reading.
The striker mustered just one shot in his 44 minutes on the pitch, which had an xG value of just 0.03 [FotMob].
Beyond his limited goal threat, the 25-year-old was barely involved, taking a mere nine touches and attempting only five passes, completing just two. Additionally, he lost four of his five ground duels and both his attempted aerial duels.
Add his reckless sending-off into the mix for yellow cards earned in the 42nd and 44th minutes and you have the recipe for a nightmare display.
Furthermore, he is now suspended for the crunch clash against title-chasing Leicester City, with the Baggies already short on central striking options.
Josh Maja has just come back from a lengthy injury lay-off and may not be ready to start games just yet, while Daryl Dike is out until next season.
Thomas-Asante’s rashness may have cost his side in two games rather than just one.
In other West Brom news, Brendan Rodgers has sent on-loan winger Mikey Johnston a message.
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