Local journalist slams West Brom defender Kyle Bartley v Cardiff City
Joe Chapman has slammed West Brom defender Kyle Bartley for not capitalising on a free kick in the first half v Cardiff City on 28 November.
The Baggies had a free kick from a promising position and Brandon Thomas-Asante’s shot deflected back off the wall.
Bartley, instead of seizing the initiative, committed a foul, with the referee blowing in favour of Cardiff.
Birmingham Live’s Chapman wrote on Twitter, “What a waste. BTA into the wall and then Bartley is adjudged to have committed a foul with the ball loose in the Cardiff box.”
Disappointing
The frustration is palpable for West Brom fans as Thomas-Asante’s free-kick hit the wall and potential set-piece opportunities go begging.
Set pieces are prime scoring opportunities, and failing to capitalise on them reflects a lack of efficiency and strategic execution.
By committing a foul, Bartley ruined what could’ve been a decent opportunity for the Baggies to take the lead in an away game.
Under Corberan’s management, set-piece proficiency is crucial for the Baggies’ success as it often serves as a differentiator in tightly contested matches.
The inability to convert set pieces not only denies the team valuable goals but also raises questions about their training and preparation.
In a league as competitive as the Championship, where margins are slim, squandering set-piece chances can be the difference between securing crucial points and falling short.
Rectifying this aspect of their game is imperative for West Brom’s promotion ambitions under Corberan.
In other West Brom news, a football expert has been left stunned after behind-the-scenes news has emerged at Hawthorns over the past few months.