A number of West Brom fans have turned to social media to slaughter the performance of defensive powerhouse Kyle Bartley for his performance in the win over Bristol City on Tuesday (18 September).
The Baggies were victorious in a thrilling six goal encounter with the Robins, a brace from Jay Rodriguez and goals from Dwight Gayle and Harvey Barnes securing a 4-2 win at the Hawthorns.
However the supporters were fuming with the display of summer signing Bartley, who was paired in a back three with Ahmed Hegazy and Craig Dawson, with numerous calls for the axe to be dropped on the 27-year-old’s head.
This is Futbol has gathered a selection of the supporters’ tweets:
https://twitter.com/dandywbafc/status/1042161299269083136
https://twitter.com/FanWba/status/1042156712709574657
Miraculous Bartley doesn't give away a penalty every week. #wba
— London Baggies (@LondonBaggies) September 18, 2018
Do not feel safe with Hegazi and Bartley playing together #wba
— James Hickman (@JTHicky07) September 18, 2018
In 37yrs of watching Albion I’m struggling to think of a worse centre half combo than Hegazi/Bartley #wba
— Jay Hickman (@HurricaneHic147) September 18, 2018
Kyle Bartley scares me mad amounts ? #wba
— Bradley Walker (@brxd_w17) September 18, 2018
https://twitter.com/jaksoi67/status/1042177834096230400
Apart from the fact that Hegazi and Bartley really scare me i cant wait
— JS? (@JS3079) September 18, 2018
Opinion
This most certainly was not Bartley’s, nor his defensive partners’, greatest outing for the club and Darren Moore really needs to address the issues his side have at the back if he wants to push on for a top six finish this season. Yes, the forward line might look as dangerous as any other in the Championship but their defence is looking suspect, and if they come up against a side who are able to nullify their attacking threat, then they are going to be exposed. The fact Bristol City were able to score twice, not to mention their inability to keep a single clean sheet this season, only highlights the issue. Bartley is part of the problem, there are no doubts about that, but the problems run deeper than just one player. Still, the three points are in the bag and the former Swansea man can count his lucky stars that they are, or he could well be under much more scrutiny than he already is.