Stats reveal brutal truth about why West Brom’s attack could derail Premier League dream
West Brom haven’t had the most straightforward start to the season.
Ryan Mason‘s side have had an up-and-down campaign so far as West Brom lost to Millwall 3-0 last time out.
There have been signs of promise, but West Brom have also shown room for improvement in all areas of their game.
A main issue that West Brom have is on the attacking front, as Karlan Grant has been out injured and Aune Heggebo has underperformed.
After nine games played in the Championship, West Brom are still in a healthy position if seventh in the table, but worrying data has started to compile, which shows exactly why the Black Country Club may struggle for promotion this season.
West Brom forwards showcase worrying underlying data
West Brom have had several injury blows in the case of Daryl Dike, as they looked to Heggebo as a replacement.
Since arriving, Heggebo has come under criticism for his lack of composure in front of goal, but he can’t be solely blamed.
Albion’s Isaac Price is the only player who has gotten on the scoresheet on multiple occasions for Mason’s side this season.
| Name | Played | Shots per game | Big chances missed | Goals | Expected goals |
| Aune Heggebo | 9 | 1.8 | 3 | 1 | 2.40 |
| Josh Maja | 7 | 0.6 | 1 | 1 | 1.25 |
| Mikey Johnston | 8 | 1.5 | 0 | 1 | 0.60 |
| Jed Wallace | 9 | 0.7 | 0 | 1 | 0.30 |
With the exception of Price from this list, whether it be a lack of shots, conversion, or goals, West Brom are lacking contribution from other forwards, and in chance creation.
Millwall wasn’t the only game where the Baggies struggled to create chances, as their goal against Leicester City was purely from a fantastic solo effort by Samuel Iling-Junior.
Of course, defenders can chip in with goals too and tally high xG (expected goals) from set-pieces, but West Brom’s overall attacking numbers are getting worse.
West Brom’s attacking statistics have regressed under Ryan Mason
Currently, West Brom have scored nine goals in the same number of games, with only six coming from open play.
Mason’s side sits 17th in terms of goals scored per match, which historically isn’t enough to get a team promoted.
The Baggies’ xG outweighs the actual number of goals they’ve scored, and even then, the tally of xG isn’t the greatest at 10.3.
West Brom have struggled for consistency since Carlos Corberan left The Hawthorns, as Mason’s side has shown worrying attacking stats that have regressed while under his tenure.
Mason needs to think long and hard about his team selection heading into his side’s game against Preston North End on Saturday.
What Mason needs to do now for West Brom
Iling-Junior has come into the side recently and has impressed as West Brom will be hopping to see more from him.
Grant is due to return from injury for West Brom and will almost certainly offer more going forward, as Mason seeks a new forward outlet.
Mason needs to play Josh Maja, who has struggled with fitness so far, in place of Heggebo as soon as he can, to keep West Brom in with a chance of promotion this season.
Maja was a constant presence for Albion last season, and whenever he has been in the side, the Black Country club have just looked more likely of scoring goals.
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