This article is part of Football FanCast’s Pundit View series, which provides opinion and analysis on recent quotes from journalists, pundits, players and managers…
Former Express & Star reporter Matt Wilson has talked up Charlie Austin and Hal Robson-Kanu following West Bromwich Albion’s come-from-behind victory over Birmingham City in the west Midlands derby on Saturday.
What’s he said?
The Baggies looked to be heading towards just their second defeat of the season until Austin’s introduction swung the game in their favour.
City had taken the lead early on through Lukas Jutkiewicz, but they were quickly pegged back by Grady Diangana inside the opening ten minutes.
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After the break, Birmingham regained a questionable lead through Harlee Dean’s header, and then manager Slaven Bilic introduced his summer signing in the 70th minute.
His first goal was a tremendous half-volley from outside the area to tie things up before he headed home the winner nine minutes from time.
Wilson handed praise to the Croatian for improving the striking department, he said:
Improving fortunes
What difference a couple of months can be. West Brom have continually kept their place amongst the top few teams in the Championship this season, but there has been significant improvements in one key area.
Albion were winning games and scoring goals even though their strikers weren’t – Austin had bagged just once in his opening 11 games, now he has scored six goals in five straight matches, per Transfermarkt.
Similarly, Robson-Kanu failed to score in his first five appearances this season but now has six goals to his name.
This speaks volumes on the managerial ability and character of Bilic to continue to put faith in his players even if they aren’t performing.
The club have been linked with a return for Dwight Gayle in January, but they may not need to now they have both Austin and Robson-Kanu in red hot form.
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In other news, West Brom should part ways with one long-serving member of the squad…
