Carlos Corberan to make crucial Karlan Grant decision ahead of West Brom v Oxford United
Carlos Corberan made the brave decision to drop attacking star Karlan Grant before West Brom drew 0-0 with Millwall on Saturday (5 October).
In his place, the Spaniard brought Mikey Johnston into the starting XI, a decision that seems to have backfired after the new signing’s performance was absolutely slaughtered at The Hawthorns.
Despite a plethora of decent chances being created against the Lions, the Baggies were unable to take all three points at home, though they did avoid a third consecutive defeat.
Although Grant has just one goal in his eight starts so far – scoring in the 2-1 win over Stoke City – he has been a nuisance for the opposition defence, which was severely missed on Saturday.
Karlan Grant must start for West Brom v Oxford United
While Johnston created two chances against the Lions [FotMob], his lack of accuracy and ability to beat his man should see him axed from the starting XI straight away.
The 25-year-old completed just 14 per cent of his dribbles, accurately delivered 25 per cent of his crosses and 50 per cent of his long balls and won just 27 per cent of his ground duels (3/11).
Grant, in his last start for the Baggies, completed 93 per cent of his passes, created three chances, accurately delivered 50 per cent of his crosses and won 100 per cent of his tackles [FotMob].
The winger has been a breath of fresh air since returning from his loan spell at Cardiff City, creating 10 chances in his first nine appearances while also missing two big chances, so he is getting into the right areas.
It is just a matter of time until Grant gets on the scoresheet again, and a clash against Oxford United could be the perfect opportunity for him to boost his goal contributions.
In other West Brom news, Kyle Bartley baffled in a “bizarre” incident against Millwall.
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