UPDATE: In a heart-stopping finish, Leicester City defeated West Bromwich Albion 2-1 at the King Power Stadium on October 28, 2023, thanks to a sensational late volley from Abdul Fatawu. This devastating goal not only sealed the win for Leicester but also marked a grim milestone for West Brom, as they equaled a near-century record with 10 consecutive away defeats.
Under-fire coach Ryan Mason faced fierce backlash from the away fans, who chanted “we want Mason out” and “Ryan Mason get out of our club” after the crushing loss. The Baggies’ supporters had hoped for a turnaround after Karlan Grant equalized in the first half, but the late heartbreak left them reeling.
The match began with Leicester taking an early lead in the 20th minute when veteran Jordan Ayew converted a well-placed ball from Bobby De Cordova-Reid. However, West Brom equalized just before halftime through Grant’s impressive finish, sparking hope among their loyal fans.
Throughout the second half, West Brom controlled much of the play, creating several opportunities, including a shot that struck the post. Despite their efforts, it was Leicester who found the net again, with Fatawu’s spectacular volley deep into stoppage time, leaving Mason visibly shaken as the Baggies faced further scrutiny.
West Brom’s record now stands perilously close to the all-time club record of 11 away losses, last set in the 1926/27 and 1890/91 seasons. The Baggies are scheduled to face Swansea City on Sunday, October 29, 2023, where another defeat could spell disaster for Mason’s tenure.
The pressure mounts on West Brom’s ownership group, Bilkul, as they called for patience from supporters amid mounting frustrations. With their Championship campaign paused for the FA Cup, the upcoming match against Swansea is crucial for the club’s morale and Mason’s future.
In a tactical shake-up, Mason made four changes to the starting lineup, reverting to goalkeeper Josh Griffiths after a disappointing run with Joe Wildsmith. Midfielder Jayson Molumby returned for his first start since December, but the changes could not prevent the late collapse.
The game was marked by fervent support from the traveling fans, who remained vocal despite the team’s struggles. However, the chants of frustration echoed louder as the match drew to a close, leaving the Baggies with a bitter taste of defeat.
Looking ahead, West Brom faces a critical juncture in their season, with the specter of a record-setting 11th away defeat looming large. Fans will be watching closely as the club battles to reclaim any semblance of form and confidence in the weeks to come.
