Three things we learnt from West Brom’s 1-0 victory over Stoke City

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Toothless Potters are lacking cutting edge

Stoke City were much improved after the interval, mainly due to the substitutions and change of shape instigated by Mark Hughes, but never truly looked like breaking down West Brom’s well-organised defensive unit.

The Potters switched to a 4-4-2 formation with Mame Biram Diouf and Saido Berahino replacing Peter Crouch to create a more mobile forward line whilst youngster Julien N’Goy provided width, pace, and energy on the right wing. The changes enabled the visitors to grab a foothold in the game and for long periods of the second half they dominated possession and started to put the hosts under pressure. However, Stoke lacked a cutting edge in the final third and too often their play was slow, predictable and based on sideways passes whilst poor decision making hindered their effectiveness when they did get into threatening positions.

The only real opportunity of note created by The Potters in the second half came via Erik Peiters who directed his free header across the face of goal when it looked easier to score. It was one of very few goal scoring chances made by the visitors and it summed up a poor all-round display.

Featured Image: All Rights Reserved Craig Ballantyne (Craig Ballantyne)