West Brom: Sky Sports pundits unimpressed by Okay Yokuslu moment v QPR, ‘screaming at him’
Sky Sports pundits Curtis Davies and Jamie Mackie were in agreement that West Brom midfielder Okay Yokuslu should have defended better for QPR’s opening goal in the 2-2 draw at Loftus Road.
The Turkey international failed to pick up his man in the box as ex-Baggies man Sam Field opened the scoring for the hosts in Wednesday’s (6 March) incident-packed game.
Yokuslu, 29, was caught ball-watching as ex-Baggies midfield Field put QPR in front, leading to criticism from Mackie and Davies.
Speaking for Sky Sports’ coverage of the game, Davies said: “Mainly I’d say Yokoslu has to do better with the following of the midfielder.”
Mackie added: “Yeah he can see the midfielder’s number running towards your goal, then you’re in big trouble, he just switched off. Got to do his job and switch on, I know the big man (Davies) as a centre-half will be screaming at him.”
West Brom ace Okay Yokuslu at fault for QPR’s first goal
Yokuşlu has been a consistent performer for West Brom so far this season so should be cut some slack.
He has made 36 appearances in all competitions, 34 of which came in the league, and his versatility has come in handy.
But there is no doubt that the former Celta Vigo man could have done better to track the run of Field into the area, albeit there were plenty of others also at fault in a poor opening goal to concede from a West Brom point of view.
Corberan won’t be happy that he switched off for QPR’s goal either. The West Brom manager is very strict on defensive work and will want his side to keep as many clean sheets as possible.
In fact, the Baggies have one of the best defensive records in the Championship. Only table-toppers Leicester City and third-placed Leeds United have conceded fewer goals, which shows the work that has gone into that particular department.
In other West Brom news, Corberan has raved about what a Baggies chief has done behind the scenes.
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