West Brom fans rip into ‘useless’ Nat Phillips after what he did vs Southampton
West Brom were beaten 3-2 by a resurgent Southampton on Tuesday, and it was a mixed night for defender Nat Phillips.
Following Leo Scienza’s opener inside 12 minutes, Nat Phillips was at fault for Adam Armstrong’s first goal after his pockets were picked on the edge of his own box.
Armstrong then doubled Southampton’s lead on the half-hour mark, as the game looked to be out of Ryan Mason’s sight.
However, the electric Karlan Grant’s thunderous strike kick-started a second-half resurgence, before Phillips netted from a corner with four minutes left of normal time.
West Brom almost pulled off an incredible comeback, but were ultimately beaten 3-2, as supporters blasted the performance of Phillips.
West Brom fans weren’t happy with Nat Phillips vs Southampton
When Albion captured Nat Phillips from Liverpool in the summer, supporters felt they were signing one of the best defenders in the Championship.
The 28-year-old was exceptional at Derby County, but has unfortunately failed to translate that form across to the Hawthorns.
Phillips was slammed for his mistake against Swansea City at the end of November, and although he scored to get his side back in the game at St Mary’s, fans criticised his error for Armstrong’s goal.
“Get him gone at HT, same for Wildsmith and Phillips too. Utterly, utterly useless,” one fan wrote.
“Have we ever had a worse pairing in defence than Mepham and Phillips. Serious question!!” someone else claimed, while another commented: “Second goal isn’t on Mason that is appalling from Phillips and wildsmith First goal tho one pass ripped us apart.”
People wonder why Liverpool let us have Phillips and how we got Mepham for a mill. Just watch those first two goals… absolutely abysmal. Mason to blame for some of this but my god we’ve got some poor players at the moment #wba
— Sam Insley (@SamInsley) December 9, 2025
“Imagine my shock that Phillips made ANOTHER mistake. Imagine my shock that Mason’s negative ball has us 2-0 down,” a fifth replied.
“Jesus wept Phillips, another goal gifted to the opposition,” a supporter said.
Painfully obvious goal for Armstrong and painfully disastrous goal to concede. Ball played to Phillips from Mepham and he stumbles and loses it. Armstrong in to finish beyond Wildsmith. Terrible. #wba
— Lewis Cox (@LewisCox_star) December 9, 2025
“Phillips is so poor, shouldn’t of been brought back in. Can’t pass and poor 1on1. Suited to a route one relegation battle,” another pointed out.
Phillips has to improve at West Brom
A second-half goal from the former Liverpool defender can’t distract anyone from the fact that it was a poor first period from Phillips.
He’s made a habit out of making mistakes in dangerous areas of the pitch, and his error for Armstrong’s goal ultimately cost his side in the opening stages.
| Nat Phillips stats vs Southampton |
| 90 minutes played |
| 50/55 accurate passes (91%) |
| 4 clearances |
| 10 recoveries |
| 3/6 ground duels won |
| 5/6 aerial duels won |
Statistically, Phillips produced some solid numbers, including winning five of his six aerial duels and making 10 recoveries, but he needs to cut the errors out of his game, or he could cost Mason his job.