Ryan Mason hits ‘pivotal’ point as West Brom sack update drops on Boxing Day
West Brom and Ryan Mason are preparing for a must-win clash with Bristol City on Friday.
Hull City handed West Brom another defeat at the MKM Stadium in Albion’s last Championship match, as they went into Christmas disappointed.
As such, Mason is under significant pressure at The Hawthorns, with his Baggies team recording just one win in their last four games.
West Brom host Bristol City on Boxing Day, with a loss to the Robins potentially enough to land a knockout blow for Mason.
However, Mason can take heart from the fact that West Brom have a historically good Boxing Day record, which they’ll be hoping to continue this year.
Ryan Mason sent sack warning ahead of Bristol City
With 10 defeats already this season and seven points removed from the play-off places, West Brom must start picking up results ASAP.
The Albion have been strong at home this season, with 19 of their 28 points coming at The Hawthorns, with an inconsistent Bristol City side next on the agenda.
However, ahead of the game, the Daily Mail has painted a picture of just how much could be riding on the Boxing Day dust-up for Mason in particular.
It’s stated that Mason has hit a “pivotal time” in his West Brom career, as well as citing his issues striking up a relationship with the fans and meeting board expectations.
It goes on to say that Mason now needs to start winning games, otherwise he’s sure to become the seventh Championship manager to be axed following Gary Rowett’s removal at Oxford this week.
Mason’s key to West Brom survival may lie in defence
West Brom have had a myriad of problems on the pitch so far this season, with shortcomings and frustration in almost every department.
However, it’s in defence where perhaps their biggest issue lies – as well as the possible key to a turnaround of fortune for Mason.
Albion have conceded 29 times in 22 Championship games so far this season, which is more than what the likes of Charlton (26), Blackburn (26) and Portsmouth (28) have shipped, all of whom are below the Baggies in the table.
- West Brom have conceded at least two goals in three of their last five games
- Albion rank 16th in the Championship for their 1.1 goals scored per game average
- Aune Heggebo (eight) and Isaac Price (five) are the only two West Brom players to have scored more than two league goals this season
Bristol City will enter the game full of confidence after a 2-0 win over Middlesbrough last time out, and will take further belief when looking at West Brom’s defensive record.
If Mason is to turn things around at The Hawthorns, then fixing Albion’s leaky defence is a must.
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