#2 West Bromwich Albion’s major threat comes from the wings
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The Baggies were clearly outnumbered in midfield for the majority of the game at the Hawthorns, which meant that the only way they could force their way back into the game was by attacking from the wide areas. Matt Phillips has been in terrific form this season and it was no surprise to see that nearly all of West Brom’s key chances were created when he was able to find some rare space on the flank.
With striker Solomon Rondon – who scored a hat-trick of headers in the midweek victory over Swansea – bereft of service through the middle, planting in crosses from the wide areas was possibly the only way the Venezuelan No. 9 could get himself involved in the game. Tony Pulis’ side’s best opportunity came late in the first half, when Phillips outpaced Valencia and delivered a teasing cross which was met by the head of Rondon, only to see the ball travel the wrong side of the far post.
Chris Brunt also got a strong shot away with his left foot after cutting in from the right side, but it was straight at David de Gea. They managed to get the ball into the box more frequently after going 2-0 down, but the centre-half pairing of Phil Jones and Marcos Rojo continued their good run of form by dealing with each cross with fair conviction.
