Kaoru Mitoma acknoweldges that Albion’s opponents are coming up with tactical plans to stop him having such a big influence on matches.
The Japanese winger has been in impressive form in recent weeks, with five goals and an assist in his 16 Premier League appearances, but by his own high standards Mitoma had a less influential afternoon in the 1-1 draw at Crystal Palace on Saturday and he is his fiercest critic.
Asked if thinks the opposition are studying his style of play, Mitoma said, “Maybe there are less players who come directly toward me to rob the ball. More often now they block the vertical lane and try to force me to cut inside.
“I was able to deliver in that type of play but I would like to focus especially on breaking through vertically and getting in a cross, and then the quality of the cross is also important.
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“On Saturday I thought the opponents would get tired as time went by and more space would open up, but that wasn’t the case. But I should try to receive the ball in a better situation myself.”
Mitoma admitted it was a case of two points dropped at Selhurst Park after Solly March’s opener was cancelled out by Palace’s only effort on target from James Tomkins.
“We played a great match, but one play can change football," he added. "The reason [why we couldn’t win] is that we didn't score the second goal. But we didn’t lose, so I'm now just thinking about the next game against Fulham on Saturday."