By Peter Lynch

13th Nov, 2023 | 6:40pm

Carlos Corberan must hand Kyle Bartley new contract after 88% display in West Brom v Southampton

West Brom saw their four-match unbeaten run come to an end as they were defeated 2-1 by Southampton on Saturday (11 November).

The Baggies had been flying under manager Carlos Corberan heading into the meeting at the recently relegated Saints.

Wins against QPR, Coventry City and Hull City, following a draw with Plymouth Argyle, ensured West Brom were in high spirits going to St Mary’s.

And it wasn’t going too badly on the road after Kyle Bartley equalised for the visitors following Will Smallbone’s early opener for the Saints.

But Adam Armstrong netted with just over 10 minutes to go to leave the Albion hugely disappointed on their trip home.

Corberan can, however, take a huge positive from the display of Bartley, who along with his goal completed 88% of his passes and won three of his four ground duels [Sofascore].

Moreover, the centre-back made two clearances and one tackle, as well as winning two fouls – more than any other West Brom player – in a fine all-round display.

The performance should definitely spur Corberan into action regarding the future of the player, with Bartley’s contract expiring next summer, following the extension to his current deal in December 2022.

The 32-year-old was forced to watch on from the bench in the early stages of the season, but he is now essentially a regular under Corberan, and has definitely been key to the club’s superb recent run of form.

The man in the dugout has plenty of players to worry about in terms of who should and shouldn’t be handed new deals, and Bartley must surely be in the former category following his display against Southampton.

In other West Brom news, one Baggies star has given his manager Corberan an easy contract decision with a recent 100% display for the Midlands club.