{"id":593014,"date":"2021-06-03T08:55:28","date_gmt":"2021-06-03T12:55:28","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/football\/?p=593014"},"modified":"2021-06-03T05:38:25","modified_gmt":"2021-06-03T09:38:25","slug":"west-bromwich-albion-season","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/football\/2021\/06\/03\/west-bromwich-albion-season\/","title":{"rendered":"West Bromwich Albion Season Review: Sam Allardyce Survival Luck Runs Out"},"content":{"rendered":"

The West Bromwich Albion season never looked likely to take off; relegation always looked the eventual outcome and, by the time the season came to an end, not even serial survival Sam Allardyce could keep them up. The dismissal of manager Slaven Bilic<\/a>, following a draw at the Etihad, remains a controversial one.<\/span><\/p>\n

We\u2019ll never know whether the ex-West Ham United<\/a> manager would have guided those at the Hawthorns to safety after getting them promoted the season before. Perhaps those at the top of the club should have waited to find out because, it was clear from the off, Allardyce had lost his magic touch when it comes to survival.<\/span><\/p>\n

Even after making January adjustments, his style of play looked out of place in a \u2018new\u2019 type of Premier League<\/a>; Allardyce\u2019s way of playing looked like it had been countered, to some effect, by modern-day patient, tidy football.<\/span><\/p>\n

It wasn\u2019t a season without some highs, but relegation signals the lowest of lows as the Baggies found out.<\/span><\/p>\n

West Bromwich Albion Season Review: Sam Allardyce Survival Luck Runs Out<\/h2>\n

Moments to Remember<\/h3>\n

As alluded to before, Sam Allardyce and West Bromwich Albion did still enjoy some moments to savour throughout a rather disastrous campaign. But, there was no moment more enjoyable than a stunning thrashing of Thomas Tuchel\u2019s Chelsea.<\/a><\/span><\/p>\n

The win saw the Baggies go the season unbeaten against the London club and inflict Tuchel\u2019s first defeat as Blues boss. It wasn\u2019t a lucky win, either. It was an embarrassing afternoon for Chelsea. They weren\u2019t just defeated, they were demolished by West Brom<\/a> at Stamford Bridge.<\/span><\/p>\n

Christian Pulisic opened the scoring before a Thiago Silva red card sent Chelsea\u2019s game plan to a crashing halt. Goals from Matheus Pereira soon saw Allardyce\u2019s side go ahead before Mason Mount\u2019s goal pegged them back.<\/span><\/p>\n

The Baggies were only just getting started, however, as two goals from Callum Robinson and one for Mbaye Diagne sent West Brom cruising to victory.<\/span><\/p>\n

Other good moments included a 3-0 win over Southampton<\/a>, a draw against both Manchester United<\/a> and Liverpool<\/a> and a 3-2 win over rivals Wolverhampton Wanderers<\/a> in the Black Country Derby.<\/span><\/p>\n

Moments to Forget<\/h3>\n

Yet, despite those positive moments, the drop still loomed; the inevitable still remained inevitable. Now, heading into the Championship season, they are manager-less and looking to bounce back.<\/span><\/p>\n

Perhaps the most disappointing moment of the season was the 5-0 loss to Leeds United. There are so many to choose from, however; so many moments they\u2019d rather forget. <\/span><\/p>\n

The later loss against Arsenal put an end to their survival hopes and maybe dealt the biggest blow in the process. And even when they were battling for a draw against Liverpool, luck wasn\u2019t on their side as Alisson Becker became the first goalkeeper to score a winner in the Premier League.<\/span><\/p>\n

The last gasp winner sort of summed the West Bromwich Albion season up. No matter what they did, nothing seemed to work. When a point was in reach, they were unlucky enough to concede to the Liverpool goalkeeper.<\/span><\/p>\n

On the final day of the season, they welcomed the fans back to the Hawthorns before conceding victory to West Ham. In spite of taking the lead, the Hammers dealt a blow in the form of three goals.<\/span><\/p>\n

West Bromwich Albion Player of the Season<\/h3>\n

From the very first day of the season, West Brom\u2019s best player was clear as Matheus Pereira nestled a free-kick into the top right of Jordan Pickford\u2019s goal. The playmaker proved his quality time and time again despite constant defeat.<\/span><\/p>\n

He\u2019ll be one of a handful of players likely to be targeted by Premier League clubs in pursuit of his creative flair this summer. Whether or not he leaves is yet to be seen, however. Ending with 12 goals and six assists in all competitions, he certainly deserves another crack at the top flight.<\/span><\/p>\n

A Special mention goes to Sam Johnstone, who, despite facing shot after shot, defied the odds to impress Gareth Southgate enough for a place in his Euros squad.<\/span><\/p>\n

Yet, as we know by now, his saves were not enough to keep West Bromwich Albion afloat, who head into next season hoping to bounce back once more in the second tier.<\/span><\/p>\n

Main Photo
\nEmbed from Getty Images<\/a>