Lee Hendrie rages at ‘really horrible’ Ousmane Diakite incident in West Brom loss vs Ipswich
Ousame Diakite was perhaps lucky to stay on the pitch in West Brom’s defeat to Ipswich.
West Brom suffered a 1-0 defeat to Ipswich on Saturday afternoon, in a game that was devoid of any real attacking quality, especially on behalf of the visitors.
The Baggies failed to register a shot on target at Portman Road, showcasing the struggles that have haunted their season on far too many occasions, and Aune Heggebo was at the heart of their struggles again.
However, while concerns will be raised over their lack of attacking threat, there will also be one over Chuka Akpom at Ipswich, after an incident involving Diakite.
Chuba Akpom forced off after Ousmame Diakite challenge
Diakite has had a mixed season with West Brom in the Championship, but against Ipswich, he wasn’t at his best in the heart of midfield.
The Mali midfielder was guilty of giving the ball away on several occasions, though he was usually strong in his duels, and on one occasion, arguably too strong.
Akpom, who was brought on for the injured Sammy Szmodics, went down under a challenge from the Albion man, which somehow wasn’t spotted by the officials.
Diakite was late, and the challenge ultimately forced Akpom off the pitch five minutes later, with Lee Hendrie disgusted by the tackle.
Via Sky Sports Main Event, he said: “This is why his afternoon is over because it is a horrible challenge. Long, strengthened lunge, straight down the instep of the ankle.
“It’s a horrible one – really, really horrible.”
West Brom’s bizzare Championship ends after Ipswich loss
Prior to Saturday, West Brom had yet to lose a game in the Championship this season in which they have had less possession than their opponent.
That was again the case against Ipswich, with the Tractor Boys dominating large spells of the ball, but on this occasion, they found a way through.
West Brom stats vs Ipswich
- 46% possession
- 0.33 xG
- 10 shots
- One shot on target
- Zero big chances
- 74% pass accuracy
Josh Griffiths was forced into a couple of saves, the most notable one from a Jaden Philogene strike, but did little to prevent Jack Clarke’s winning goal.
However, Albion, not for the first time this season, looked rather toothless in front of goal, and that is something that will need to be addressed either internally or in the January window.
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