West Bromwich Albion are sitting pretty as the new leaders atop the Sky Bet Championship table as September turns over into October and the third month of the 2018/19 season.
Today’s 3-2 win over Preston North End on the road at Deepdale saw them not only top the table but also take their league-leading tally of goals to 25 – these coming at an average of 2.5 goals per game.
Whilst sitting pretty at the top of the table is a joyous time for Baggies fans, it also seems that many are not comfortable with certain aspects of their side’s performance – namely, a leaky defence.
For, as well as having scored 25, the side from the Midlands have conceded 14. This tally of goals against puts them on a par with sides like Rotherham United and Ipswich Town – two sides who are in an around the relegation mire in 20th and 22nd place respectively. The following tweet sums the situation perfectly:
#wba attack vs defence pic.twitter.com/YNV7N8OX39
— Zwebeck (@BigDarrenMoore) September 29, 2018
That, of course, is something that has worried fans, fans who’ll be hoping that the strikers continue to purr like the well-tuned engine of a Ferrari whilst the defence splutter like the engine of a Fiat Tipo missing one too many services.
Without resorting to pictures, the following tweet pretty much ‘nutshells’ the concerns that many fans have:
We are on for 100+ goals this seaaon but will concede 60! #wba
— Throstle Fantastic (@ThrstleFantstic) September 29, 2018
Hyperbole, maybe, but it is a view that is shared by many Baggies fans – fans such as the following:
Job done. Poor today and beat a terrible Preston team but still found a way to concede 2. Only thing that will stop us winning the league is our defence #WBA #WBA
— Paul (@P4ulG87) September 29, 2018
I suppose the big question is whether the strikers can carry on putting them away, hoping that the defence improve…or at least maintain the same level of mediocrity. The biggest concern must be that the goals somehow dry up, or lesson, and that the defence remains the same, or even worsens.
Of course all of that is conjecture at its finest; a simple game played with assorted ‘ifs’ and ‘buts’ pieces. Who knows how the season will pan out for West Brom, their attacking and their defensive units.
Enjoy it whilst it lasts, stay on board and take in the ride. Maybe pay a slight nod to the words of American basketball coach Dave Thorson though: “No doubt – offense sells tickets, but defense wins the championships.“
