West Brom fans blast Mikey Johnston for what he did vs Stoke: ‘Terrible’, ‘I’m lost for words’
West Brom’s were held to a 0-0 draw by Stoke at The Hawthorns on Saturday.
Eric Ramsay is under pressure in B71 as he still searches for his first win as the Baggies head coach.
The game at The Hawthorns saw very little attacking creativity from either side, although earning a clean sheet is certainly a step in the right direction for Ramsay.
The draw moved them up to 20th place, but just one point separates them from the relegation zone.
Mikey Johnston has been a bright spark for West Brom this season, but his introduction from the bench didn’t go down well with fans.
Mikey Johnston shouldn’t have been brought off the bench
West Brom’s stalemate with Stoke was not entertaining by any means, and it was definitely a risk to bring Johnston onto the pitch in the 74th minute.
The Republic of Ireland international was carrying an injury going into the match, and it seemed irresponsible to give him a runout.
Although West Brom were desperate for a late winner, young striker Ollie Bostock could have provided the Baggies with much more attacking threat.
However, Ramsay favoured Johnston, and it’s clear that he wasn’t capable of having an impact on the match.
Several fans on social media criticised his performance and were left confused as to why Bostock wasn’t brought on instead.
One supporter said: “Johnston is running round like a dizzy duck.”
Another fan added: “If he hadn’t subbed him on though, we’d all be sat here saying why hasn’t Ramsay brought on our most dangerous player.”
- Read more: Nat Phillips typically solid, 4/10 nowhere to be seen – West Brom player ratings vs Stoke
Mikey Johnston should be the least of West Brom’s concerns
Johnston is clearly very talented, and criticism of this nature isn’t fully deserved, as he clearly shouldn’t have been playing.
He has nine assists in the Championship, which is the most of any player in the league, and his proved his worth for West Brom multiple times this season.
Since Ramsay’s arrival, he has struggled to adapt to the head coach’s system, and there has been an understandable dip in form.
| Stat | Johnston |
| Appearances | 30 |
| Goals | 2 |
| Assists | 9 |
| Chances created | 52 |
| Touches in opposition box | 81 |
Once he does get back to full fitness, there’s no doubt he has the quality to lead the Baggies to safety.
Turkish side Trabzonspor tried to sign the 26-year-old late on in the winter transfer window, but West Brom’s stance was clear that they did not want to sell him mid-season.
However, Johnston could leave West Brom in the summer, and relegation to League One would certainly seal his exit from B71.