The recent match between the Baggies and the Canaries was on the verge of ending in yet another draw, a recurring theme for the Baggies, before Josh Sargent scored a crucial goal, exposing the weaknesses of the Baggies in the final third of the field. This outcome has raised several points worth discussing in the aftermath of the game. One of the primary concerns is the performance of Adam Armstrong, a player whose loan signing was met with great enthusiasm by fans and the team’s management alike. The hopes were high that his inclusion would solidify the Baggies’ chances of reaching the play-offs, given his impressive track record as the division’s top scorer and his role in Southampton’s promotion last season.
However, the reality has been somewhat underwhelming. Since joining, Armstrong has managed to score only two goals in nine games, one of which was a penalty. This lack of impact has been puzzling, especially considering his past achievements. The game against the Canaries at Carrow Road was particularly disappointing for Armstrong, as he remained on the periphery of the action for most of the match. He had very limited involvement, touching the ball only three times in the Norwich box and failing to muster a single shot. This performance has led to questions about his effectiveness in the current team setup and whether he is being utilized to the best of his abilities. Despite his hard work and dedication, Armstrong is not producing the results that were expected of him, and this is a concern that echoes the team’s overall struggles in the final third of the field.
The issue at hand seems to be a combination of factors, with one of the main concerns being the lack of service to Armstrong. He is not receiving the kind of support and supply that a striker of his caliber needs to thrive. This has sparked debates about the team’s formation and strategy, with many advocating for a change that would see Armstrong paired with another striker. The idea is that a partnership upfront could lead to more goal-scoring opportunities and better utilize Armstrong’s skills. The current setup, which often isolates him as the lone striker, seems to be starving him of the service he needs to be effective. The team’s inability to create clear chances is a symptom of a larger problem, one that goes beyond Armstrong’s individual performance and points to a need for a more cohesive and effective attacking strategy.
The clamor for change is growing, with fans and pundits alike calling for a revision of the team’s approach in the final third. The argument is that Armstrong’s strengths are not being leveraged effectively in the current system, and that a tweak in the formation could unlock more scoring opportunities. This is not to say that Armstrong is without blame; every player has off days and periods where they struggle to find form. However, the persistent lack of output from the team as a whole suggests that there are deeper issues that need to be addressed. The fact that Armstrong is working hard and still not producing raises questions about the system he is operating within and whether it is conducive to his style of play.
One of the key points of discussion is the role of Tony Mowbray, the manager who has worked with Armstrong at multiple clubs. Mowbray’s decision to bring in Armstrong was hailed as a masterstroke, given their past successes together. However, the underwhelming start has raised questions about Mowbray’s strategy and whether he is getting the best out of his key players. The pressure is on Mowbray to find a solution to the team’s attacking woes, and the spotlight is firmly on his ability to adapt the team’s setup to better support Armstrong and, by extension, improve the team’s overall performance. This includes considering the calls for a striker partnership, a move that could potentially ignite the team’s attacking prowess and get Armstrong back to his scoring ways.
In conclusion, the recent performance of the Baggies, particularly in the context of Adam Armstrong’s signing and the team’s struggle to create and capitalize on scoring opportunities, points to a need for a strategic rethink. The initial euphoria surrounding Armstrong’s arrival has given way to concern and debate about the team’s attacking strategy and the utilization of its key players. As the season progresses, the Baggies will need to address these issues head-on to reignite their push for the play-offs. This involves not just finding ways to get the best out of Armstrong but also re-evaluating the team’s overall approach in the final third to ensure that they can create and convert more chances. Only through such adjustments can the Baggies hope to fulfill their potential and make a meaningful challenge for promotion.
