Sessegnon surge no surprise – but can he sustain it?

The deadline day capture of Stephen Sessegnon by West Brom slightly slipped under the radar in the melee of madness that unfolded amongst the league’s big boys – yet arguably the Benin international has had the greatest impact of any deadline day arrival thus far.

Without a win or a goal in their opening three outings, worries were beginning to surface that the baggies could find themselves in deep relegation struggles this term. Having enjoyed such a stunning season of overachievement last term, such a slump was perhaps to be expected – after all history has taught us that sides often struggle after a season of punching so far above their weight in a manner that Albion have done. As well as that there was the small matter of replacing the goals lost by Romelu Lukaku returning to Chelsea.

Deadline day was a well-publicised vastly important day for so many clubs, none more so than a West Brom side seemingly void of creative influence. Thankfully for supporters the club finally opened their wallet to bring in Sessegnon for a club record fee of around £7 million, as well as Everton striker Victor Anichebe.

Sunderland’s decision to part with Sessegnon was a shock to many, given they had significant problems in the creativity regions of their own – although taking into consideration their remarkable summer of upheaval, perhaps nothing should be surprise us. It could turn out to be one of the most costly decisions of Paolo Di Canio’s ill-fated reign, with whoever takes over likely to wish they could call on his ample supply of talent.

Undoubtedly Sessegnon is a frustrating figure – often flattering to deceive despite his clear abilities, however he is a match winner and they are far from easy to find. His initial impact at the Hawthorns is a perfect example of just how influential he can be when on song, with an inevitable debut goal against Sunderland followed up by a captivating man of the match return at Old Trafford.

Those results have reinvigorated the baggies campaign and the task for Steve Clarke now is to maintain the form of his record buy – something which proved tricky during his spell at the Stadium of Light. Sessegnon has typically shone under the influence of a new manager, with those performances then becoming more fleeting as time went on.

If Clarke can get the best out of the attacking midfielder then the fee paid could prove a steal, such is his style of play that hot and cold days are likely to be inevitable – Albion will be hoping he can have more of the former than the later. For Sunderland supporters the rash sale of the Benin international might just be one of the most painful errors in their summer of turmoil.