A bad result
And no, I don't mean the 1-1 draw against Portsmouth.
It was the moment that Ishmael Miller decided to launch himself into a challenge on David James to try and win the ball.
Oh the irony. This, remember, a player criticised in some quarters as being a player who doesn't get stuck in. So much for that theory.
Miller's loss will be a huge blow. In the last few weeks Miller has started to make the arduous transition from Championship striker to a Premier League player.
He's by no means perfect. His right foot, though better than it was, still needs working on. Back in September he wasted two one-on-ones when he opted to shoot rather than pass the ball at the Riverside - it's easily forgotten that David Wheater and Robert Huth were unable to cope with his presence. Yesterday he played Chris Brunt into a goalscoring chance which should have been finished off.
Miller has taken on board the lessons, the criticisms, the quiet words and he's evolved into someone who will make an impact at this level. He's not yet a goalscorer, but then perhaps that won't be his strength.
So his injury could be the worst thing to happen to Albion so far this season - certainly since the decision to not replace Kevin Phillips. It leaves Tony Mowbray with Roman Bednar and Luke Moore.
Bednar has goals in him but is more of a player in the Geoff Horsfield mould, who is more willing to run the channels, hold up the ball and provide some aerial threat. Explosive he isn't.
And what of Moore? Well the ability is there. The application also looked more forthcoming when he came on. If Moore cannot grasp the opportunities he gets over the coming weeks then he never will. This could be the lifeline he needed to re-fire his Albion career. Somebody pass those jump-leads.
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Chris Lepkowski - Mail man Chris Lepkowski’s view of what’s going on at West Bromwich Albion FC.
Great article Chris, shows our shortcomings now from the lack of movement in the summer. Moore is our best hope so god help us, it's going to be a struggle and I just hope Miller makes a quick recovery.
I, unlike many Albion supporters, have so far refused to critisise Luke Moore on the basis that we have not seen enough of him to make considered opinion.
Now he has the chance, albeit by default than by choice, to prove all that he is the eagerly anticipated £3m signing we hope for.
Supporters need to be patient...some thing not normall associated with any football supporter, especially when the chips are down.
We have 2 striking options in Bednar & Moore....we need to stick with them and support...at all times.
Time to prove us wrong Luke
Great blog as usual.
I must admit..a couple of weeks ago i said Brunt could possibly be a player Mowbray may sell in order to raise funds. In his last two games he has proved me wrong. He needs to keep up the workrate and effort. Moving on to Moore, do you think he could play the lone striker role? He has the pace, movement and close control. We dont generally play it long..so although he isnt the greatest in the air is that an assest we need? Maybe i am clutching at straws..but i feel Bednar (love him for his workrate and desire) hasnt got the pace to really trouble top defenders.
Also Chris, i have hear that we are close to signing an 18 year old Brazilian striker with a fee of £250,000. Could you tell me how true these rumours are?
Thanks.
Keep the faith! In Mowbray We Trust!
Let's not forget the very prolific ...Sherjil
Mcdonald!
Ok ok, just trying to lighten the mood.
You never know, it may just be the break Luke
Moore needs this. I mean since signing & getting
sent off against Leicester last January, he's
never really had a run in the team to show us
what he's capable of has he? It's make or break
time Luke!
Interesting to note that not one of Ishmael's
team mates were standing around him during his
treatment yesterday. Surely it's the norm for at
least one to be inquiring as to how he is? David
James & medical staff yes, but none of his team-
mates.
I.M.W.T.
Chris.
An article that's as precise and accurate as ever.
And based on what's occured to date it spells out that if ever a team was seemingly destined for a relagation season it HAS to be the Baggies.
NOTHING is going right and the latest news on 'Tiny' Miller injury for me means that unless Luke Moore can 'resurrect' an Albion career that's never really been given a chance to start (!)or Tony Mowbray can weave a spot of magic when the transfer window opens, it will be back to the delights of Championship football next season.
The most infuriating aspect of the whole affair is that the Baggies are playing some quality football but converely there is no end product.
But we live in hope and travel to Sunderland 'praying' that the 'Black Cats' run out of luck on this ocassion!?
"Come on you Baggies"
Cheers
Terry.