Kevin Phillips: Bartley error v Aston Villa sums up season for West Brom
We’re delighted to welcome former West Brom striker Kevin Phillips as our exclusive columnist. Each week he’ll be giving his views on the biggest talking points at The Hawthorns…
Kevin Phillips claims Kyle Bartley’s last-minute error against Aston Villa on Sunday pretty much sums up the whole season for West Brom.
Albion were set for a huge three points against their local rivals at Villa Park before a defensive mix-up allowed Keinan Davis to net a stoppage-time equaliser for Dean Smith’s side.
Instead of simply clearing the ball, Bartley tried to chest it down in the six-yard box and then appeared to leave it for goalkeeper Sam Johnstone, allowing Davis to pounce.
Phillips claims that those kinds of errors are unacceptable at this stage of the season but refuses to blame Bartley directly.
Speaking to West Brom News, Phillips said: “You’re at the stage of the season now where you can’t afford to make mistakes. No matter where you are, you can’t afford to miss chances and you need to take the points when you’re desperate for them.
“It’s tough to single out an individual for a mistake, they know they can’t afford to be making errors like that at this stage of the season.
“It’s disappointing but it’s probably been a reflection of the season, to be honest. There have been mistakes on the way that have cost them dearly and unfortunately, that was one.”
Despite that error, Bartley has been one of the stand-out performers for the Baggies since Sam Allardyce took charge at The Hawthorns.
According to stats by Wyscout, the ex-Swansea defender ranks sixth in the Premier League for interceptions per 90 minutes this season [7.01] and seventh for outfield players for aerial duel success inside the penalty area [71.43%]. He also ranks joint-16th for shots blocked per 90 minutes [0.94].
Bartley’s form has led to speculation surrounding his future at The Hawthorns with Newcastle and Burnley linked with signing the centre-back [Telegraph].
However, any more errors like the one against Aston Villa in Albion’s final Premier League matches would likely scare potential buyers off.
In other West Brom news, this former Premier League midfielder confirms he’d be keen to join the Albion.
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