Saido Berahino's goal drought 'not surprising', says West Brom boss Tony Pulis
Saturday 10 September 2016 20:27, UK
West Brom boss Tony Pulis has admitted Saido Berahino's goal drought is "not surprising" after the striker drew another blank in their 1-0 loss to Bournemouth.
The forward spurned a couple of opportunities for the Baggies, and has not netted in the league since February.
Pulis said intense speculation about the 23-year-old during the transfer windows has not helped.
On Berahino's form, Pulis said: "It's not surprising. He's had a year out where there's been speculation every window. Every time it comes around he gets dragged away from what he is, and that's a footballer.
"He has to understand, unless you're on it physically and mentally, then you're not going to be the top striker that he is."
Overall, Pulis was disappointed to come away from the Vitality Stadium with no points, particularly after a strong showing early in the second half.
"We were poor in the first half," added Pulis. "Credit to Bournemouth they were the better team and had the best chances.
"Saido's chance just before half-time was an opportunity where you'd expect him to score.
"In the second half I thought we were the better team and they scored when it didn't look like they were going to.
"We pushed on an extra ten yards, and our players showed them far too much respect in the first half.
"There were three or four great opportunities that we had and if we score first we win."
Pulis added that Nacer Chadli's debut performance was special, with the Belgian joining from Tottenham for a club record £13m in August.
