Has Danny Imray finally arrived at West Brom? Stats vs Sheffield United say script now flipped
West Brom’s 1-1 draw against Sheffield United on Saturday was an improvement, and certainly for Danny Imray.
The Baggies have kept themselves out of the Championship relegation zone following the draw at Bramall Lane, and James Morrison may owe his right-back a thanks.
Imray hasn’t had the most inspiring start to his career at The Hawthorns since joining on loan from Crystal Palace in the winter, but he may have just been a victim of an underlying issue for the Baggies.
Eric Ramsay hooked the Englishman on multiple occasions before his own sacking, but the 22-year-old may have finally announced himself as a West Brom player.
Danny Imray had best statistical West Brom game vs Sheffield United
Imray arrived at West Brom on hot form following his successful loan stay with Blackpool in League One. The right-sided defender has shown the ability to play further up the field, but to no good effect.
However, against the Blades, Morrison placed him more in a defensive role, with less of a license to get up the field in an attempt to stifle Chris Wilder’s attack.
- Imray has started three out of his six league games for Albion
- Ramsay took him off after 45 minutes against both Birmingham City and his debut against Portsmouth
The Baggies are fighting for their lives in the Championship, and every point matters at this stage of the season, as players need to find their best versions of themselves.
Imray seems to have dug deep to pull out his best outing in an Albion shirt yet against Sheffield United, averaging a Sofascore rating of 7.2 – better than any of his previous ratings for West Brom.
He made 12 defensive contributions, including two tackles and six clearances, while averaging an 85.7 per cent ground duels success ratio.
Not only that, but he made one key pass, as the right-back looked more confident with each passing minute in this one, seeing out the full 90 minutes.
Why the stats show West Brom goals are coming
One of the biggest downfalls for Albion this season has been their inability to threaten in the final third. This became even more of an issue under Ramsay, but Morrison is looking to get the free-flowing football back.
The way that West Brom had to set up at Bramall Lane was understandable, but it also showed their ability to create, even without Mikey Johnston.
| Shots | 12 |
| Shots on Target | 3 |
| Big chances missed | 2 |
| xG | 1.01 |
While the xG fails to flatter, the Baggies still created another two big chances, which were almost put away.
All it takes is for Josh Maja, Aune Heggebo or Isaac Price to hit the back of the net, and the goals may soon start flowing for Albion.
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