Albion blogger Jarrod Hill wants closure on the Stoke hoodoo and thanks his lucky stars John Terry is not a Baggie ahead of the trip to the Britannia Stadium.
Get ready for Stoke, who are cutting themselves a reputation similar to the one Wimbledon had back in the 1990’s.
I have no problem with what they do, they are using their resources and strengths to ensure they can compete in this league, but we need to combat it and have a game plan in place.
I stated in the lead up to our home game with Hull that we needed to match them for battle and effort before we can play our football, so the same applies to Stoke.
We know they will take every opportunity to launch the ball into our box, we know that their midfield will work tirelessly to close down the ball and we now all know about a certain Mr Rory Delap.
His amazing ability to launch throw ins like he does has become a point of focus for opposing teams and I am sure we will be no different.
Now if it was my Sunday League team, the pre-match plan would probably be something like, “So Bomber, do think you can get your leg up high enough to break his arm?”
Seriously, it is some weapon to have, especially when it’s combined with half a dozen 6ft-plus players in the box.
We all know we can play pretty football but against teams like Stoke you still have to earn the right to do so. Each and every player has to win their own personal battles all over the pitch, before collectively we can go on to get a result.
The Stoke hoodoo has to end some time and I hope it is this weekend. I remember writing something similar this time last season when we were playing Watford away.
I detailed the fact they were good at set pieces and represented our football nemesis. We went on to achieve arguably our best away result of the season and I hope we can do the same at Stoke.
We certainly need a result and the longer we go without a win the more pressure the players will feel bearing down on them, and the majority of players play better without pressure or fear.
I think the discussion over what formation to play, or which players to play in that formation, is somewhat irrelevant when faced with a team like Stoke.
The key to success is going to be desire and the ability to perform to our own strengths, while facing our football negative.
I am not sure if anyone will agree with me but I have come to view our midfield as being our greatest strength,as well as our greatest weakness.
Sounds daft I know but when in possession of the ball it remains our most potent weapon, yet when defending, the lack of protection given to our back four is often the source of our goals conceded.
Baggies boss Tony Mowbray has often been heard of a teams balance needing both soldiers and artists, yet currently our midfield only has artists. Maybe along with strikers this will be our area of focus during the January transfer window.
Just one last well done to Albion goalkeeper Scott Carson on his England performance on Wednesday night. Thank god that rubbish John Terry doesn’t play for us mighty Baggies!
See Also:
22 Comments
Only artists in midfield? If only wins were created on canvas, huh? You need a spoiler in the midfield, someone to shield your defence, break up play and deliver a good incisive pass - but I’m afraid Karl Henry is ours and you aren’t getting him!!!
So tomorrow it’s the meeting of the fancy footballers versus the direct cloggers - I know which way I would prefer this one to go, but it will be tough for you to get a result up there, especially considering your record against the clayheads. Anyway, best of luck for the game…
Report abuse
only one winner here weve beat villa and arsenal so we wont have any trouble beating you lot delap what a god you baggies aint got no good players
Report abuse
Hiya Jarrod - good blogg mate. I made a similar comment abot Delap’s throw being over hyped. Defenders have to deal with the ball into the box 100 times a game - doe it matter whether it was thrown in or kicked in ??
The size of the Styoke players is a threat - but we played, and out played many tall physical teams last season - the only difference was we had the confidence to KNOW we could beat them.
Our main threat at the moment is lack of confidence. We need our forward to be happy to have a pop on goal and we need the fans not to get on their backs if they miss.
We could do with the midfield chipping in with a goal or two also.
No 2 - “you baggies aint got no good players” ?
You Stokies aint got no good schools.
Report abuse
2
Congratulations in making you`re comment into a single sentence, quite an achievement.
Says everything about our contrasting styles when Delap is viewed as a God.
Report abuse
Mr. Jarrod.
We all quite rightly offer support to the members of the team we support.
However when a goalkeeper calls for a ball and then fails to collect he alone is at fault. Carson has made two fundamental mistakes when playing for England and I for one feel that is one two many. He should not be selected again!
Good luck against Stoke the style of football they play is not that which should be encouraged and held as an example for youngsters to emulate.
P.S. I like your blog style.
Up The Wolves
Report abuse
Cornish
With due respect, how do you know Carson called for the ball ?
The way i saw it Carson waited deep expecting JT to roll a pass back to him, or despatch the ball into row z.
Terry was the first England player who was able to deal with the situation and, well didn`t.
Report abuse
Why wasn’t my comment put on here???
All I said was it’s 451 this weekend, with Miller up front on his own to try to encourage an early professional foul with his pace.
I fear for our chances of keeping a clean sheet, but as I have Delap in my Fantasy Team I can accept that (Ahh. Maybe THAT’S why my comment wasn’t allowed!).
But I did add that I expect us to score 3 and secure the 3 points.
My final point was about whether Tex will get through 90 mins against their physical game. If he can get through that he can get through anything.
Report abuse
Wbaforever
I 100% agree that Terry should have hoofed the ball out. My comments were made after hearing from a mate in London that Terry, in a radio interview stated he had a call from Carson.
However yes both were culpable!
Up The Wolves
Report abuse
I’m glad JT has admitted responsibility for it, very professional.
I do think we’ll win in all honesty though, 2-1.
Report abuse
Dream On 2.Come on you Baggie Boys get rid of the hoodoo,2-1 Baggies win.BOING BOING.
Report abuse
comment no2
Lol
wbaforever/ hb
Boys you should see the shiner ive got at the mo, got an elbow in my eye on Sunday.
10 stitches and ive been told the feeling in my forehead will never return!!
I now feel ready to take on the role of a bond baddie!!
My sights ok though, returned after a couple of days.
Anyway onto tomorrow, we always fear Stoke as fans but i reckon after recently playing Liverpool, Manu and Chelsea the boys will be up for it.
I hope so anyway.
Report abuse
For once the press have’nt really highlighted this “Hoodoo” we have with Stoke, so hopefully some of the newer players have not picked up on it and got negative thoughts in their mind. As stated it’s football against cloggers lets hope football prevail’s victorious as it did at Vicarage Rd last season.
2-1 to the Baggies fingers crossed.
Report abuse
Ricardo Fuller is suspended and I’m overjoyed by that…..now then Mr Robinson…..a nice hard tackle on Delap within the first 5 would be appreciated……
Come on you Baggies !
Report abuse
Bomber
“10 stitches and iv`e been told the feeling in my forehead will never return”
You really should not leave yourself so wide open !
However, i will resist all temptation……..
Oh sod it…….did the quack know you BEFORE your mishap ?
Report abuse
wbaforever im going to send a picture on your phone!!
Report abuse
Well we did OK at Bolton a side of similar qualitioes to Stoke so I am hopeful that we can get ther three points. 13 I don’t know how many gamnes you have seen this year but UI have yet to see Robbo our supposed hard man make any sort of tackle this season. seem he has signed his contract and now he aint bothered.
Report abuse
simple too deal with delaps throwings just attack the ball like there forwards do,
Report abuse
16.all of em my friend
Report abuse
Bomber you look after that head of yours, there’s some good stuff inside.
Report abuse
malvern 19 - its the outside that lets him down.
Report abuse
2,where did you learn your grammer?.O,h yes at the Botanical Stadium.
Report abuse
Theres one WBA player who people dont really
seem to mention and thats GRAHAM DORRANS,
Ive watched him in the reserves and he looks
total class,he has pace to burn with loads of
energy,this kid deserves a chance in the 1st team.
Report abuse