UPDATE: In a shocking turn of events, Bristol City secured a 2-1 victory over West Bromwich Albion at The Hawthorns on December 26, 2023, intensifying the pressure on beleaguered head coach Ryan Mason. The defeat marks yet another setback for the Baggies, who are struggling in the Championship.
The match saw West Brom fall behind early, with goals from Anis Mehmeti and Ross McCrorie propelling Bristol City to a comfortable lead. Despite a late goal from Ousmane Diakite in the 85th minute, the Baggies were unable to find an equalizer, leaving the home crowd in disarray.
Fans at The Hawthorns expressed their frustration, with chants of “Ryan Mason, your football is s**t” echoing through the stands as the team slumped to its fourth defeat in five matches. The atmosphere was described as one of the most toxic of the season, with loud boos at halftime and a significant number of fans leaving before the final whistle.
The challenges for Mason are mounting, especially following a December 23 statement from club president Andrew Nestor calling for patience amidst ongoing changes at the club. However, with away form deteriorating and home performances failing to inspire, the ownership’s patience is being severely tested.
West Brom’s dismal run now includes eight consecutive away losses, and the team desperately needs to turn things around at home. Their next challenge comes on Monday night against Queens Park Rangers, where attendance could be further affected by fan dissatisfaction.
During the match, goalkeeper Joe Wildsmith faced significant criticism after failing to handle Mehmeti’s opener effectively, which was a low shot that appeared to take a deflected path due to an offside player interfering. This only added to the growing doubts about Mason’s tactical decisions and player performances.
West Brom’s attacking efforts were thwarted by Bristol City goalkeeper Max O’Leary, who made crucial saves, including denying Isaac Price and Diakite on multiple occasions. Despite a late surge that saw Karlan Grant hit the crossbar, the home side’s inability to convert chances proved costly.
The Baggies had started the match with some promise, creating early chances, but their defensive frailties were exposed as Bristol City capitalized on mistakes, leaving West Brom fans increasingly frustrated. With a limited squad and young players making up the bench, Mason’s options are dwindling as the pressure mounts.
As the team prepares for their upcoming match, attention will be focused on whether Mason can rally his players and halt the downward spiral, or if the club will be forced to consider a change in leadership to salvage their season.
This defeat not only highlights West Brom’s ongoing struggles but also raises questions about the future direction of the club under Mason’s management. Fans are left wondering if the upcoming clash against QPR will be a turning point or just another chapter in a disappointing campaign.
