Aune Heggebo’s extraordinary transformative at West Brom isn’t a purple patch, the stats prove it
Aune Heggebo has had a remarkable comeback at West Brom in recent weeks.
Up until the Charlton defeat, the striker had only scored once, missing numerous chances along the way.
As a result, Heggebo was regularly slammed for his performances at West Brom, in a transfer that looked to be Ryan Mason’s downfall.
However, the attacker is now single-handedly keeping the manager in a job, with five goals in his last four outings, including two in West Brom’s 3-2 comeback win over Swansea on the weekend.
Below, West Brom News has examined how the striker has become such a hit.
Aune Heggebo now vastly overperforming his xG
Before his recent goalscoring streak, Heggebo had an awful xG return for West Brom.
After the Charlton defeat, the striker had only produced a 2.31 xG in 14 appearances, which resulted in one goal, and an underperformance of 1.31.
Yet, suddenly, Heggebo is vastly overperforming in this area.
Over the past four matches, the striker has had a 2.4 xG, which has resulted in an extraordinary five goals.
On top of this, he is having far more touches inside the opposition box, managing 19 in his last four games, compared to just 35 in his previous 14.
| Stats | Aune Heggebo’s first 14 matches | Aune Heggebo’s last four matches |
| xG | 2.31 | 2.4 |
| Goals | 1 | 5 |
| Aerial duels won | 35 | 17 |
| Shots | 17 | 16 |
| Shots on target | 3 | 10 |
| Touches in opposition box | 35 | 19 |
Therefore, it is clear that this recent run of form isn’t just luck; the striker has now managed to adapt to the league and is able to have a significant impact up top.
Hopefully, this is enough to push the Baggies up the table and into the playoffs as soon as possible.
What did Ryan Mason say after West Brom’s win over Swansea City?
At half-time, there was no doubt that Mason was in need of a hero to help change the course of the match.
Heggebo filled this role, ensuring the Baggies picked up a memorable three points.
Speaking after the match, Mason was quick to recognise how important the Norway international’s goal was.
He told BBC Sport on 29 November: “The whole second half was incredible – such a great reaction, so much personality first of all but a lot of quality in there as well.
“The first goal is incredible, then the second one normally doesn’t go in but that’s part of football, you have to respond.
“I thought we managed the period after that okay because I think rightly so there was a bit of negativity in the stadium. It was important to get through to half-time and try to give the lads some help.
“Second half we scored the early goal which helps, it brings a bit of belief and intensity in the stadium, and my feeling was it was a case of when, not if we were going to win the game.”
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