Tony Pulis defends midfield trio but wants James Morrison back
Tony Pulis has faith in his much-maligned central midfield trio but admits he would like to include the injured James Morrison in the line-up.
Albion’s head coach has been criticised by supporters for playing three holding midfielders – Gareth Barry, Grzegorz Krychowiak and Jake Livermore – in the same team.
But the Baggies boss doesn’t believe that choice has held Albion back in recent weeks, and puts the team’s poor form down to wasteful finishing at one end and conceding late sloppy goals at the other.
However, he is eager to get Morrison back into the fold and says the long-serving midfielder would be in his starting line-up if fit.
Morrison is currently sidelined with an Achilles problem but is hoping to return to action at home to Chelsea after the international break.
He was a crucial cog in the team last season. Not only did he score five league goals but Albion won 27 points from the 17 games he started and just 18 points from the 21 he didn’t.
“I don't think it's been the three midfield players that have caused us the problems,” said Pulis, defending his recent team selection. “I think the three midfield players have been solid and good.
“Yes, Morrison definitely, if he was fit would probably most likely be in that trio but he isn't fit.”
All three current midfielders prefer to sit deeper, but Pulis has asked Krychowiak and Barry to get further forward in the last two games while Livermore holds.
Barry set up both goals against Manchester City last time out with balls in behind the defence, although the second was largely down to a Nicolas Otamendi mistake that Matt Phillips pounced on.
Pulis has ditched out and out wingers in recent weeks in favour of forward players or wing-backs, but he says the team is still creating chances from out wide.
“Gareth is a good player but we’ve missed opportunities from lots of positions,” said Pulis. “The crosses we’ve sent in, we could and maybe should have scored off. We're creating chances but we need to take them.”
Morrison has started four games so far this season, the two Carabao Cup ties against Accrington Stanley and Manchester City as well as the league draws against Stoke and West Ham.
