The Defence

Just thought I'd share something that I've been thinking about lately.

A lot has been made of the fact that Albion will have a striker issue to sort out in the summer, but improving the defence is key for me. 48 goals conceded in 36 games doesn't look too bad but it is what's hampered Albions progress this season and a few less mishaps, losses of concentration and mistakes could have seen the baggies challenging Liverpool and Evertons finishing positions.

Games in which Albion have conceded 3 or more goals, meaning they need at least 3 to even get a point:

Wigan (home), Swansea (away), West Ham (away), Fulham (away), Reading (away)

As can be seen there, against the top teams Albion have done extremely well defensively. In the 2 games home and away, Liverpool managed 0 goals, Everton/Tottenham/Chelsea only 2 each. This makes it all the more disappointing that Albion let themselves down defensively against the mid table/lower teams. The Reading game was especially disappointing IMO.

This is just as important as the impending striker issue, and if sorted, will effect the team and results just as much.