“I take responsibility for the way we set up.”

Those were the words of Tony Pulis following West Brom’s defeat against Manchester City, where Pulis bravely played a 4-4-2 with both Saido Berahino and Rickie Lambert at top, moving away from his usual 4-5-1, or even 5-4-1.

After the game, Pulis was refreshingly honest by taking the blame for the loss and admitting that his side were far too open and needed to be “more solid” he went on to explain why he did it too saying: “The fact we had Saido and Rickie, who played really well together, pulled us away from what we really should do. I said to them afterwards I would take responsibility for that.”

It was typical of Pulis to be so clear cut with his view after the game, and it was typical of the man to admit his glaring errors. However, it is clear that Pulis knows the error of his ways and also knows that he should stick to what he knows best in the future.

Anyone with half an idea about Pulis knows full well what that is. A well drilled, incredibly organised unit, capable of scoring goals from set pieces and sit in and frustrate the opposition before counter attacking to score.

That is Pulis’ side in a nutshell. It really is no thrills football, just very reliable solid football that isn’t easy on the eye at times. And that is what duly returned when the Baggies visited Vicarage Road to take on Watford in their second game of the season.

Pulis went back to his tried and trusted defence over attack, lining up in a 4-4-2 but ensuring his side gave nothing away and sat back, soaking up the pressure. The stats highlighted this with just 36% possession for Pulis’ men, and no shots on target, opposed to Watford’s five.

It was a typical Pulis display and it was not particularly met with great appreciation from the Baggies faithful, as boos and jeers were made from the away end following an uninspiring game.

Then came the visit of Chelsea. Pulis switched to an even more typical 4-1-4-1 formation, with new signing Salomon Rondon leading the line with Claudio Yacob holding in midfield. The set up was about being tough to break down. However, it frankly wasn’t enought to stop Chelsea, who were too good for West Brom both on the counter attack and in possession, where the creativity of Pedro and Eden Hazard caused havoc.

The 3-2 defeat to the Blues was disappointing. But these aren’t the games that Pulis specialises in. It is the games against Stoke on Saturday, for example, where Pulis gets the results. Even though it is away, it wouldn’t be surprising to see Pulis’ men get something against Mark Hughes’ side.

Pulis will never play attractive, up and at them football. He prefers a more patient, defensive and even dull style of football.

It’s what has made him so successful, and will continue to do so, providing he sticks to what he knows best.

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