The Attack

Hal Robson-Kanu, Charlie Austin & Kenneth Zohore (ST)

Jay Rodriguez and Dwight Gayle scored a combined total of 46 goals for the Baggies last season. Coming into this campaign, then, Albion’s new front line had big boots to fill.

Zohore was Albion’s first summer signing last summer and there was certainly reason to be optimistic upon his arrival. He scored 17 goals for Cardiff in their promotion campaign two years prior, though his Baggies career has proven to be rather underwhelming.

Zohore scored just three goals in 17 Championship appearances (two of which came from the penalty spot).

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These penalties in the home games against Derby and Reading did salvage two points, which certainly proved useful come the end of the season. But it’s safe to say that things have not worked out for the Danish international.

With Zohore stuttering, Austin was given his chance. Once again, though, another Albion forward failed to find his feet — or should I say, find the net. Bilic, though, found solace in an unlikely hero: Hal Robson-Kanu.

The former Welsh international became a crucial figure in the Baggies’ free-flowing 4-2-3-1 system in which he frequently held up the ball and distributed it finely to wingers Diangana and Pereira.

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From October through to December, Robson-Kanu scored six goals in nine games in what became the most prolific goal-scoring period of his entire career.

From here, Bilic was happy to start Robson-Kanu and bring on a more ruthless Austin should the game require it. It was this winning formula that gave Albion a 13 point cushion over third place come Christmas time.

Austin scored the most substitute goals across the entire Championship this season (6). Vitally, these goals won Albion 10 points across five games against Sheffield Wednesday, Preston, Wigan and Birmingham City.

West Brom undoubtedly had woes in front of goal this season, particularly in the latter stages of the season, with Albion fortunate to also have prolific wingers in Pereira, Robinson and Diangana.

Albion will surely be aware, then, that strengthening the forward line is a number one priority should they want to remain in the Premier League beyond next season.

Ratings: Zohore 4/10, Austin 7/10, Robson-Kanu 7/10

If you enjoyed this article, you might be interested in: West Bromwich Albion Goals of the Season: Our Top 5.

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