Joseph Masi slams West Brom forwards in Blackburn stalemate

Joseph Masi was highly critical of Baggies’ attacking play as West Brom drew 0-0 with Blackburn Rovers at the Hawthorns last night (February 14).

A point in Game 2 from Steve Bruce in charge was enough to see the Baggies move into eighth place in the Championship.

Masi questioned Albion’s attacking threat on another frustrating night in front of goal.

“Albion really, really, really struggled creating tonight,” Masi told Express & Star.

“All of Albion’s problems come from that last third, and the truth is they’re not creating enough for Andy Carroll.

“When you have Andy Carroll you have to put balls in the box, you have to put crosses in the box, he will win pretty much anything in the air.

He added: “They A: aren’t getting enough crosses into the box and B: aren’t getting enough body around Andy Carroll to get those second balls.”

To fix

There’s definitely a difference in energy and style under Bruce, but maybe not quite as expected.

The Baggies were in desperate need of a rejuvenation under former boss Valerien Ismael and the former Hull City manager statistically fit the bill.

Some people were disappointed with Bruce due to his no-nonsense approach and his debut at the club may have confirmed their suspicions.

In fairness though, it’s hard to name a manager who would come on and transform the state West Brom currently find themselves in, so bringing in an experienced veteran of a manager in Bruce was the right move.

If he can’t do it, no one can, with the 61-year-old having more Premier League promotions than any other manager.

Unfortunately, it is the team that is the problem. It’s unclear if they’re completely incompetent moving forward or if they find themselves under the tactical sway Ismael has placed them under, but the new boss needs to come up with an answer to the problem quickly.

In other Baggies news, Steve Bruce is keen to convert West Brom player Grady Diangana.