West Bromwich Albion manager Carlos Corberan has acknowledged his team’s ongoing struggles following their 1-1 draw with Sunderland at the Stadium of Light.
The result marked Albion’s eighth draw in nine Championship fixtures, while Sunderland recorded their fifth consecutive stalemate.
Defensive Issues Force Tactical Adjustments
The Baggies entered the match with a depleted defensive line, missing several key players due to injuries and suspensions. The situation worsened moments before kick-off when Ousmane Diakite, who was slated to start, sustained an injury during the warm-up. This unexpected setback forced Kyle Bartley, returning from a six-game absence, into the starting line-up despite limited fitness.
Bartley managed only 45 minutes, after which midfielder Uros Racic was redeployed as a makeshift centre-back. Corberan subsequently shifted to a five-man defensive formation to cope with Sunderland’s pressure.
“It’s true, it wasn’t our best display, and Sunderland were probably better than us. They created more chances than us, but I value the mentality of the team so much. In difficult circumstances, they have put in a lot of effort to achieve the point,” Corberan admitted. “You have to overcome difficult moments, and we’ve done that. The more challenges you face, the more personality you need to put on the pitch. I liked the reaction from the players.”
The Spaniard also praised Bartley’s determination to play through his limitations, describing it as an example of the courage he wants to see in his squad. However, he conceded that maintaining composure under sustained pressure remains a challenge for his injury-hit team.
Resilience in the Face of Adversity
Despite Sunderland dominating possession and creating more clear-cut chances, Albion managed to hold their opponents at bay. The defensive reorganisation highlighted the resilience of the team but also underscored the urgent need for reinforcements and recovery within their squad. Corberan expressed confidence in his players’ mental fortitude, even as they continue to face a gruelling schedule in the Championship.
Racic’s performance in an unfamiliar defensive role and Bartley’s brief but pivotal contribution exemplified the collective effort necessary to grind out results in testing circumstances.
Writer’s View
Corberan’s candid analysis reflects the harsh reality for West Brom, whose defensive frailties are limiting their ability to secure victories. While the team’s resilience is commendable, relying on makeshift solutions cannot be a long-term strategy. Addressing these gaps in the January transfer window will be crucial if Albion are to maintain their push for a top-six finish.
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