McAuley credits new rules for Baggies goalscoring heroics
West Brom centre-back Gareth McAuley believes this season’s clampdown on shirt-pulling in the penalty box is the secret behind his unprecedented goalscoring success.
At the grand old age of 37, McAuley has become prolific in front of goal – already notching seven times this term, despite his defensive responsibilities.
The latest of those came in a 2-1 triumph over Bournemouth on Saturday, as the Northern Irishman took advantage of Cherries keeper Artur Brouc’s dismal attempt at punching clear a corner to net what turned out to be a 22nd-minute winner.
Photo credit: Getty Images
It was a seventh victory in their last eight home Premier League matches for the Baggies as they cemented their place in the top ten.
And while it may cause him more issues in his day job as a centre-back, McAuley is thankful the harsher rules on contact in the penalty box were implemented.
“People are asking me why I’m scoring so many? I can only think it’s partly because of the new rules, where people can’t hold you and wrestle you and you can get a move into the box,” explained McAuley.
“It’s certainly more difficult defending set-pieces. It’s maybe a reason why.
“Against Bournemouth, the ball fell nicely to me – they’re the ones you like when you can just tap it in.
“We work hard on set-pieces and we don’t make any apologies for it.
“It’s nice to get a goal but it’s also nice for it to count towards points for the lads.”
