West Brom boss Ryan Mason delivers verdict on first half versus second discrepancy
Ryan Mason says he is aware of Albion's second-half struggles but feels some unfortunate last-gasp goals may have exaggerated the statistics.
Figures prior to Wednesday's clash against Birmingham at The Hawthorns showed Mason's side to be among the Championship's top performers in the first halves in games, but the worst in second periods.
It fits the theme of late goals shipped by the Baggies this term - and the head coach pointed to the unfortunate nature of some of those as an explanation as to why the figures are so stark.
Albion have the third-best record for minutes one to 45 this term, but the second-worst for between minutes 46 and 90-plus.
"I think it's certainly something to look at - for sure," Mason told the Express & Star. "If you look at the late goal we conceded against Charlton - it's a shot from 30 yards.
"The late goal conceded against Leicester, an own goal, an unfortunate one.
"I'm pretty sure if those two don't go in then we're not low in the (second-half) table. An extra three or four points and it changes so much in this division and maybe you don't look into it so much.
"For us it's to stay disciplined with our principles, what we work on, commit to it. Football is a funny old game - sometimes you can explain things and sometimes you can't. We're away of it and hopefully it can change."
Mason's in-game management has come under the microscope with Albion's regular inability to hold on to a lead.
The head coach's substitutions have been scrutinised, no more so than Saturday's decision to withdraw Mikey Johnston at half-time with a 2-1 lead at leaders Coventry.
Asked if late issues could be related to mental or physical fatigue, Mason replied: "It's certainly not physical (fatigue) because in terms of the distance we run is super high.
"So it's not physical. Is it a mental thing? I'm not sure. It's something we're working on and need to work on. It's a challenge to continue competing for the whole game.
"If we'd been opened up and played through in those moments, one-on-one opportunities with our keeper, I'd probably view it a bit differently. But a shot from 30 yards and a cross that is deflected for an own goal, conceding the only shot on target versus Derby - are those concentration? Maybe, I'm not sure, you do well to limit the opposition to one shot on target.
"I understand the small margins that can change so much."
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