James Morrison Provides Insight into West Brom's Jayson Molumby Right Midfield Experiment
Eyebrows were raised when Jayson Molumby started on the right side of West Bromwich Albion's midfield for the Championship clash against Millwall. Assistant manager James Morrison has now offered his perspective on this tactical decision, explaining that Molumby performed a crucial role for the team in an unfamiliar position.
Addressing Squad Shortages in Wide Areas
The Baggies are currently facing a shortage of options for the right midfield role after losing club captain Jed Wallace to a calf injury last week. Wallace joins fellow wide players Karlan Grant and Mikey Johnston on the sidelines, leaving Morrison with limited alternatives for the position.
In the two matches since Wallace's injury, Jamaldeen Jimoh-Aloba and Isaac Price have been utilized in the role. Against Millwall on Friday night, it was Molumby's turn to step into the position despite being a central midfielder by trade.
"I felt on Monday at Blackburn we were competitive," Morrison explained. "So with the opposition I wanted to be competitive. And we play with our wingers inside at the moment, with the two strikers, so I felt like he could do that."
Molumby's Adaptation to the Role
Morrison noted that Molumby improved as the match progressed at The Hawthorns, where West Brom put in a determined performance but ultimately couldn't secure a winning goal.
"I felt Jayson got better as the game went on, and he got stretched a bit, and he could find some space and run and use his energy, and be there for second balls," Morrison observed. "He did a job for the team."
Since beginning a seven-match unbeaten run with a draw at Sheffield United last month, Morrison has maintained his preferred 4-4-2 formation. However, the lack of natural width has necessitated creative solutions, with players like Price and now Molumby operating in more inverted roles on the right and left sides of midfield.
Tactical Adjustments During the Match
Against Millwall, Molumby frequently drifted inside to support central midfield colleagues Alex Mowatt and Ousmane Diakite whenever possible. Price performed a similar function from the left side, though with more emphasis on breaking forward into attacking positions.
Full-backs Danny Imray and Callum Styles served as attacking outlets, receiving instructions to provide width on the overlap when opportunities arose during the match.
Missed Opportunity for Late Winner
Molumby came closest to securing a dramatic late victory for West Brom as Morrison's team finished strongly against Millwall. A quickly taken corner from the left delivered by Callum Styles was helped on by George Campbell and fell to Molumby inside the six-yard box.
The Irish midfielder settled himself before unleashing a low strike that was somehow saved by Millwall goalkeeper Anthony Patterson, leaving Albion supporters and staff alike with their heads in their hands.
"It was similar to his goal against Southampton," said Morrison, who was visibly animated in the technical area throughout the chance. "Jayson's really good at picking the loose ball up. I think we'll have to put it down to a great save from the goalie."
Morrison acknowledged that a late winner would have created "beautiful scenes" but ultimately wasn't meant to be on this occasion. The draw extends West Brom's unbeaten run but leaves them searching for more decisive results as the Championship season progresses.
