Ousmane Diakite own goal vs QPR least of Ryan Mason concerns amid analysis of West Brom mishaps
Ousmane Diakite’s own goal against QPR was unfortunate, but a further look at his stats from West Brom’s win on Tuesday may ring alarm bells.
West Brom beat QPR 2-1 at The Hawthorns in a game which Ryan Mason desperately needed to win.
Mason has been under immense pressure from Albion fans to improve results and performances, with multiple candidates having already been suggested to replace him.
Diakite‘s own goal drew QPR back on level terms, as a loss could have spelt the end for the Baggies boss.
Luckily for Mason, Nat Phillips’ second-half header ensured that the Black Country Club took all the points, but the head coach needs to seriously consider dropping Diakite.
West Brom can’t reach Play-offs with Ousmane Diakite; here’s why
Jayson Molumby has had an up-and-down season so far for West Brom, with injuries and a red card stopping the midfielder from being a consistent starter.
Mason has had to chop and change his midfield several times, but against the R’s, he went for Diakite in the middle of the park for a fifth game in a row.
West Brom are hopeful of somehow climbing back into the Play-off picture, but with the Mali international starting, it won’t be possible.
| Player | Touches | Final third passes | Ground duels (won |
| Ousmane Diakite | 57 | 0 | 7 (3) |
| Alex Mowatt | 38 | 4 | 4 (3) |
Diakite’s job is to break up play, and fair play to him – he made three tackles.
However, Alex Mowatt has more of a free-roaming role in the middle, and despite this, he was more efficient in winning the ball back for Albion, as highlighted by Sofascore. But this isn’t the biggest problem.
Diakite had plenty of the ball and posed no real threat of progressing play up the pitch for West Brom.
The Championship is evolving, and Albion need to steer away from the typical “destroyer” type of midfielder that they have in the 25-year-old.
West Brom’s midfield control highlighted in stats vs QPR
Mason’s side deserved the win against QPR, after keeping the R’s from having a single shot on target throughout the whole game.
Julien Stephan’s side managed to have just three shots, accumulating a measly expected goals rate of 0.14.
However, QPR dominated possession for large parts of the affair and had 55 per cent of the ball.
Although Albion won, the lack of midfield control may be overlooked, but it’s something that needs addressing by Mason.
That starts with leaving out Diakite against Swansea on New Year’s Day.
Enjoyed this article? Stay connected with all the latest West Bromwich Albion news, updates, and behind-the-scenes content by following us on our new Instagram account – @westbromnews247