Why Jay Dasilva is Coventry City’s biggest flaw as West Brom have route to first Eric Ramsay win
West Brom face a seemingly impossible task to topple league leaders Coventry City for Eric Ramsay’s first win in charge.
The Baggies will host Frank Lampard’s side in a Championship showdown at The Hawthorns on Saturday, as the visitors come into the clash in good spirits following their six-pointer win over promotion-chasing Middlesbrough.
Ramsay saw his team unable to win for a seventh consecutive game when Albion lost 3-1 to Norwich City in the FA Cup last time out, but there were positives to take heading into what seems to be a relegation battle.
Given the scenario for both Coventry and West Brom heading into this clash, Baggies fans will be wondering how a draw will be possible, let alone a win.
However, the Sky Blues and their fans know that Jay Dasilva is a constant worry for them in defence, as Ramsay has the perfect way of targeting him.
Eric Ramsay’s key for goals is to play balls over top of Jay Dasilva
Lampard has regularly switched up his side and tactics for wins this season, as seen against Boro, when he setup his side to stay patient and press high while seeing less of the ball for once.
But one man he likes to regularly start for the Sky Blues is Dasilva, someone who Coventry fans know is a weak link.
- Dasilva has started 28 league games for Coventry this season
- He has an average aerial duel win rate of 28.6%
The left-back is regularly caught out sitting too far off his man, and often leaves gaping space behind him when advancing up the field. Not only that, but his 5,7″ frame could be something that Ramsay looks to pinpoint from long balls.
Thankfully for West Brom, Ramsay prefers to play a direct style at times, which may suit the likes of Josh Maja, who can be used to man-mark Dasilva in aerial duels.
There may also be a heavy emphasis on playing balls over the top for Mikey Johnston to run onto on the right wing, with Albion usually at their best on transition.
West Brom also have to use this data pattern against Coventry
The Baggies can’t and won’t simply use Coventry’s win against Middlesbrough as a way to combat Lampard’s style.
The Sky Blues have an average of 54.7 per cent possession, which ranks fifth highest in the division, with their scoring threat already well known.
| West Brom form | Coventry form |
| Loss | Win |
| Draw | Draw |
| Draw | Loss |
| Loss | Loss |
| Draw | Win |
Lampard’s men will most likely look to come to The Hawthorns and dominate the Baggies on the ball, as they do with most teams, but this gives Ramsay a key opening to exploit.
West Brom have a 37.7 per cent success rate with long balls and average 22.5 successful attempts of them per match. This will surely be the tool that Ramsay looks to use in turning over Coventry quickly, who often overcommit men in search of goals.
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