[ad_pod ]
This article is part of Football FanCast’s The Chalkboard series, which provides a tactical insight into teams, players, managers, potential signings and more…
One of the early season worries for West Brom boss Slaven Bilic appears to be in defence - and he certainly knows it.
Following the Baggies exit from the Carabao Cup on Tuesday night, Bilic blasted his defence:
“We cannot concede three goals in two games like this. We have to defend the set-pieces better," he said.
“Set pieces are vital in this league and there are many, many clubs who base their attacking game around putting the ball in the box from corners or from long balls," Bilic continued.
Albion looked to be in decent shape after deadline day signing Charlie Austin opened the scoring on debut in the ninth minute but they were soon pegged back by two set-pieces, as Tom Bradshaw and Aiden O'Brien netted from a free-kick and a corner.
Watch West Bromwich Albion Live Streams With StreamFootball.tv Below
On the Chalkboard
Bilic's men have conceded four goals from their opening three matches.
Summer arrival Semi Ajayi has played all three games, pairing Kyle Bartley for the two Championship fixtures whilst youngster Dara O'Shea was handed the honours on Tuesday night in the Carabao Cup.
It appears to be a recurring theme from last season as the Baggies had the 12th best defensive record in the league despite finishing fourth in the table and making the playoffs.
The most notable name missing from that defence, arguably the best of the lot, is Ahmed Hegazi who is currently on the sidelines following ankle surgery.
The very reason he is having surgery only highlights his character and it's something Bilic could do with at the back.
Thogden ranks all 24 Championship home kits in the video below...
The Egypt international played 49 games for club and country last season whilst trying to manage an injury, the sheer volume at which he featured has meant that surgery was the only possible outcome ahead of this coming campaign.
Hegazi averaged a rating of 7.01 last season, higher than Bartley's 6.78 who he is likely to replace upon return.
In terms of performance, the 28-year-old seems a much better option - he recorded more clearances (6.1), blocks (1.3) and aerial duels won (4.1) than Bartley - three key attributes you'd want when defending set-pieces.
The 6 foot 4 man won't be back in training until mid-September at the earliest so Bilic needs to find the solution until then or they may well get exploited by other teams in the Championship in meantime.
[ad_pod ]