Steve Bruce highlights West Brom’s ‘best weapon’ after Blackburn draw

West Bromwich Albion boss Steve Bruce has identified set-pieces as his side’s “best weapon at the moment” after the goalless draw against Blackburn Rovers last night. 

Bruce will have been hoping to secure his first win as Baggies boss in his first game in charge at The Hawthorns but the spoils were shared between the two promotion-chasing sides in the West Midlands on Monday evening.

Goalscoring was an issue in the final weeks of Valerien Ismael’s tenure and it was a familiar story last night as Albion created plenty of opportunities but were unable to make any of them count.

Speaking to club media after the game, Bruce reflected on his side’s performance and talked up their set-piece prowess.

He said: “There’s lots to be pleased about in terms of the effort, but we must improve in the final third. We must find a bit of creativity from somewhere in team.

“Obviously, you need to score a goal to win a match and we haven’t managed to do that in the last two games.

“Sam only had a couple of saves to make and we nearly nicked it at the end of the game with a set-piece.

“Set-pieces look like our best weapon at the moment. We look dangerous from them, as did Blackburn.

“I enjoy the honesty and the effort of the Championship. It’s there for everyone to see.

“We have to find that bit of quality.”

West Brom’s next opportunity to break their goalscoring drought and to end the wait for a win under the new manager comes against Luton Town at Kenilworth Road on Saturday.

Bruce will know that things need to change around soon, with Albion now three points back from the top six.

The Verdict 

It’s hard to argue with Bruce here and that is perhaps as much a reflection on the struggles of his forward options as much as it is on his side’s