UPDATE: West Bromwich Albion is now in a perilous relegation battle following a shocking 5-0 defeat at home to Norwich City. This significant loss, marking their worst home defeat since 1999, has sent alarm bells ringing throughout the club, with immediate repercussions for their survival in the Championship.
In a match where victory was crucial, the Baggies displayed a lackluster performance, failing to show the fight and organization needed to escape the bottom three. The goals began to flow for Norwich after Oscar Schwartau struck a long-range effort just 20 yards from goal, with West Brom’s defense crumbling under pressure. The situation deteriorated further in the second half as four additional goals from Ali Ahmed, Ben Slimane, Ben Chrisene, and Mathias Kvistgaarden left the home side reeling.
Fans vented their frustrations, booing the players off the pitch as they faced the stark reality of possibly slipping into League One. This defeat follows a hard-fought match against promotion contenders Middlesbrough just days earlier, raising serious questions about the squad’s capabilities moving forward.
Looking ahead, an ominous clash with Derby County looms on October 20, 2023. West Brom has struggled against Derby, failing to win any of their last five encounters. The pressure is mounting on new manager Eric Ramsay, who has witnessed his team concede a staggering eight goals in just his first two matches in charge.
Ramsay’s tactical shift to a three-at-the-back system has drawn parallels to Wilfried Nancy’s short tenure at Celtic, where a similar approach led to disastrous results. If Ramsay cannot adapt his strategies quickly, he risks following Nancy’s path out of the club. The urgency to revert to a more stable formation is palpable, as the Baggies lack the athletic defenders needed for this system.
The emotional toll on the players is evident; with high stakes and dwindling confidence, each match becomes critical for their survival. Supporters are left wondering if Ramsay can turn this ship around before it’s too late, with relegation now a very real threat.
As the clock ticks down to the Derby match, West Brom must regroup and find a winning mentality. The next few days are crucial as Ramsay faces the daunting task of restoring faith in his squad and securing vital points to stave off relegation fears.
