Lankshear not good enough for West Brom, shameful Styles – 3 things learned v Coventry
West Brom slumped to a dismal 2-0 defeat at Coventry City on Saturday which leaves their playoff chances hanging by a thread.
Goals from Jack Rudoni and Matt Grimes were the difference as the visitors made numerous mistakes, allowing Frank Lampard‘s side to capitalise.
The Baggies are now six points off the playoff places and there is growing concern over Tony Mowbray‘s stint as he has won just five of his 17 matches in charge.
It looks like an unlikely ask for Albion to secure a place in the end-of-season showdown with just three matches left to play.
Here are the three things West Brom News learned from the result.
Johnston comes out with credit despite West Brom loss
Mikey Johnston was arguably the only visiting player to come out of the contest in a positive light.
The Irish international constantly tried to make something happen, taking three touches in the box and creating one chance.
The 25-year-old completed the most dribbles in the clash with four, but his teammates could not take advantage of his dangerous play on this occasion and he was replaced by Daryl Dike in the 73rd minute.
If the Baggies are to rescue a playoff berth, they need the former Celtic ace to be on top form in the final three matches, but even that may not be enough.
Styles should be ashamed
Callum Styles is an experienced player in the second tier and his latest actions have left Mowbray in the lurch.
The 25-year-old was sent off for his second bookable offence in the 51st minute when the Baggies were already two goals down.
His rash decision-making left his side in a world of trouble and was the last thing that they needed with the scoreline heavily in favour of the hosts.
However, a bigger problem for Albion may be who replaces him for the clash with Derby on Monday (21 April) as Gianluca Frabotta is clearly not rated by Mowbray.
The Italian defender has featured just six times in the Championship this season and they were all before the 61-year-old returned to the Midlands outfit.
If Mowbray decides that he still cannot trust him, he could play Torbjorn Heggem at left-back but that would affect the balance of the team, with Mason Holgate having to come in at centre-back.
Styles’ absence will be a huge blow and he should have known better.
Lankshear woes continue for West Brom
Will Lankshear was signed on loan from Tottenham in the winter transfer window with a lot of hype surrounding the move.
However, the 19-year-old has not lived up to expectations at The Hawthorns, making just three starts in 10 Championship appearances.
| Stats (Championship) | Lankshear |
| Matches | 10 |
| Goals | 0 |
| Assists | 0 |
| Minutes played | 237 |
The Spurs youngster is yet to score or assist in his 237 minutes of action for the Baggies and his impact was minimal against the Sky Blues.
The Albion ace was hooked at half-time after a miserable showing in which he failed to create a single chance and had just 15 touches, with just one coming inside the penalty box.
If the Black Country club are to somehow fight their way back into the playoffs, Lankshear should not start again in the last three matches.
He has proved that he is not the answer to their attacking woes.