This article is part of Football FanCast’s Opinion series, which provides analysis, insight and opinion on any issue within the beautiful game, from Paul Pogba’s haircuts to League Two relegation battles…
West Bromwich Albion recorded yet another Championship victory this week to firstly, regain the lead in the division, and secondly, manage their best ever start to a season in their enitre history.
The Baggies seemingly always find a way – they have lost just one match this season, and even then it was a narrow 1-0 up at Leeds United, who hold the best defensive record in the league.
On Monday night, Slaven Bilic’s men looked destined to be heading for a 0-0 stalemate against playoff-chasing Preston North End until a moment of drama in the final minute handed Albion an absolute gift.
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Kyle Edwards’ quick turn of pace inside the area resulted in the home keeper, Declan Rudd, bringing the winger down, at least according to the referee – fellow substitute Charlie Austin duly stepped up to dispatch his fourth of the season.
Thus, handing West Brom their 12th win and 42nd point of the season – at an average of 2.2 points per game, they seem destined for promotion this season.
Last term, Norwich City went up as champions averaging 2.06 points per game, and even though the division is more competitive this time around, the Baggies are setting a tremendous pace that only Leeds have been able to keep up with.
The even more scary thing is that Bilic’s men haven’t even displayed their full potential yet as epitomised by Monday’s game. It was a really subpar performance on the road.
Enigmatic loan ace Grady Diangana put in a rare ineffective showing, completing just 25% of his dribbles, won just 28% of his ground duels and even lost possession 17 times, per SofaScore.
Likewise, Matheus Pereira struggled to take his usual hold on the game, recording a passing accuracy of just 68% while he lost possession a ridiculous 27 times in the number ten role.
Then there’s Hal Robson-Kanu who had five goals in seven games, but his role garnered the lowest rating by any starter.
The fact that Albion can play so poorly and still pick up all three points speaks volumes.
The rest of the Championship should be warned because when everything falls into place right across the pitch, they will absolutely rip apart teams in this division.
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Meanwhile, West Brom fans have been calling one squad member a future ‘superstar’ following his superb showing vs Preston North End on Monday night.
