Maja returns, sale boost – Three positives for Ryan Mason in West Brom loss v Lincoln
West Brom suffered another humiliating defeat on Saturday in a 4-2 loss to Lincoln City.
It has not been a good start for Ryan Mason at The Hawthorns this pre-season.
The Baggies suffered their third consecutive defeat at the LNER Stadium, with the visitors putting in a woeful performance.
Dreams of promotion to the Premier League are quickly being dashed as the Baggies continue to struggle against League One outfits.
However, there were a few positives to take from the match as West Brom News looks back on the game.
Devante Cole in shop window after Lincoln vs West Brom
One of the few positives to look at from West Brom’s defeat is the goalscorers.
Devante Cole got the Baggies’ second on Saturday in added time as he slid the ball into the bottom corner from close range.
The striker has had a tough time at The Hawthorns since his transfer last summer, with the 30-year-old failing to find the net throughout the 2024/25 campaign.
As a result, Cole has been linked with a swift West Brom exit this summer as Mason looks to reshape his squad.
Therefore, his goal against Lincoln will likely increase the interest in the striker and help seal a move away this summer.
Karlan Grant finds the net
West Brom’s other goalscorer against Lincoln was Karlan Grant.
The 27-year-old pulled a one back at 64 minutes to make the scoreline 3-1.
It was a good finish from the forward as he received the ball on the edge of the box with his back to goal, before turning and firing it into the bottom corner from 25 yards out.
While fans may have questioned Grant’s role in the West Brom team this season, it is clear that he has a role to play.
Hopefully, his goal against Lincoln will help to increase his confidence going into the new season.
Josh Maja returns after injury layoff
While Baggies fans came away from Lincoln heavily concerned, one of the biggest positives was, no doubt, the return of Josh Maja.
The striker came off the bench with 14 minutes left, where he impressed during his brief display.
| Josh Maja at West Brom last season | |
| Appearances | 26 |
| Goals | 12 |
| Assists | 2 |
Maja had been out injured at West Brom since early January, with his absence contributing to the Baggies’ falloff late in the 2024/25 campaign.
However, it now appears that he will be able to play a part at the start of the new Championship campaign.
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