Big Sam: Robinson knows what the score is
THE impact Callum Robinson has had on West Brom’s recent upturn in fortunes cannot be underestimated.
Sam Allardyce’s change of heart in the Stamford Bridge dugout three Saturdays ago, to replace a defender with an attacker when it appeared Lee Peltier would fill in for the injured Branislav Ivanovic, was quite literally a game-changer.
It ensured Albion took the game to depleted Chelsea and Robinson’s second-half goals prompted Allardyce to stick with him for the visit of Southampton, where he was on the score sheet again.
“I’ve got to give Callum Robinson a lot of praise,” said the head coach. “He’s had a long wait to get in the side. He looked a little short of confidence when I came here. He was having a run where he wasn’t getting chances and wasn’t scoring goals.
“All of a sudden, when he’s got the opportunity he has taken it.
“He took his opportunity at Chelsea by scoring those great goals and then he also took another opportunity against Southampton. “That third goal he scored was really needed because it killed them off.
“We’ve found a goalscorer in him, but he’s got to continue now and keep scoring goals.
“The more goalscorers we have on the pitch, the better chance we have of winning games.
“Callum played a massive part in both of our recent wins and I’m really pleased for him. He’s been patient.
“He’s kept himself fit enough to go out and impress when he’s had an opportunity.”
Indeed, Robinson’s performance at the Bridge made things simpler in Allardyce’s head when it came to selection.
Where previously he was reliant on the same 12 or 13 players to perform each week, now others are taking up the mantle.
Doors are being opened and further avenues are being explored; all of a sudden, Allardyce has calls to make, both in terms of personnel and system.