Fletcher: West Brom have lost attacking threat

Darren Fletcher admits West Brom are struggling to find the right balance between defence and attack in the Premier League this season.

After conceding three goals against both Manchester City and Chelsea in two of the first three games of the season, Albion have responded with three straight clean sheets.

They have scored only three goals all season, however, and Fletcher acknowledges they now need to improve at the opposite end of the pitch.

“We need to work on the balance between not conceding but also being a threat,” he said.

“We have gone from losing the goals against Chelsea and Manchester City to not conceding and we’re now looking like less of a threat going forward.”

West Brom go to Aston Villa this weekend for the the first time since their controversial FA Cup clash last season.

Albion lost 2-0 in the FA Cup sixth round in March which sparked a pitch invasion from Villa fans while chairs were thrown on to home supporters from the away section.

Baggies boss Tony Pulis questioned the level of stewarding at the time, fearing for his players’ safety, and Villa, who apologised for the invasion, were fined £200,000 by the Football Association.

It came just four days after West Brom had lost 2-1 in the Premier League at Villa Park.

“It was a difficult week and things happened that shouldn’t happen on football pitches,” Fletcher said.

“We’ve got to use that to motivate us to help us get the result.

“I’m looking forward to it. I experienced it last year and was disappointed to lose a goal in the last minute.

“Then there was the cup game which I wasn’t involved in.

“The passion and the atmosphere was fantastic and it’s up to us to go and meet that challenge and give our fans something to shout about.”