Five things we learned from West Brom's victory over Accrington Stanley
Albion progressed into the third round of the Carabao Cup last night with a 3-1 victory away at League Two Accrington Stanley. Here, Baggies reporter looks at five talking points from the match.
1 TONY PULIS TAKING THE CUPS SERIOUSLY
When Pulis was asked why he picked such a strong team, he joked: “It’s the only team we’ve got!” There’s an element of truth in that, but he could have quite easily started several of Albion’s youngsters if he wanted to.
His decision to play an attacking side was rewarded with a comfortable evening, and will hopefully encourage this tactic of bulldozing lower-league opposition with his most threatening players, because now he’s established the club in the Premier League, it’s time to focus on the cups.
2 SALOMON RONDON REMINDS US OF HIS STRENGTHS (AND WEAKNESSES)
Pulis says competition for places will re-invigorate Rondon, and it took just a little over 10 minutes for the enraged Venezuelan to find the net with a trademark header. It was also his pin-point cross-field ball that set up Matt Phillips for the second in an encouraging first half.
But Rondon’s finishing with his feet has always been in question, and in the second half, he blazed a couple of chances over. Even so, his attitude impressed and hopefully his second goal of 2017 will do him the world of good.
3 JAY RODRIGUEZ UP AND RUNNING AND LOOKING DANGEROUS
While others were shooting over, the summer signing was at least finding the target, although he was growing increasingly frustrated at blocks and saves denying him. So there was a big release of emotion when one eventually found the net.
Rodriguez looked dangerous on debut but then struggled away at Burnley due to a lack of service. But there are signs that Tuesday’s goal is the first of many. Don’t forget the classy one-two with Matt Phillips that led to his cross for Rondon’s goal.
4 ARE CRAIG DAWSON AND AHMED HEGAZI GIVING PULIS FOOD FOR THOUGHT?
Albion’s head coach has been trying to sign a promising young centre-back all summer, but he may have already done that in Ahmed Hegazi. Even though it was only League Two opposition, the 26-year-old Egyptian was supreme – again – and looked in control throughout.
Pulis has been dithering over a deal for Tottenham defender Kevin Wimmer over the past few days, but maybe the Nesta of the Pyramids (and Dawson too) are starting to convince him he should spend his money elsewhere in the next seven days.
5 THERE IS A WAY BACK FOR NACER CHADLI
The out-of-favour Belgian is certainly for sale at the right price this summer, but the fact Pulis picked him, and then praised his attitude afterwards, suggests the bridges haven’t been burned to the same levels of Callum McManaman.
Chadli looked up for it in patches at Accrington, but he’ll need to convince a little bit more to get back into the line-up. However, Swansea’s interest has gone quiet, and Albion aren’t awash with bodies, so if he does stay, he may need to be re-introduced to proceedings.
