West Bromwich Albion’s long-standing servant Chris Brunt has come in for a lot of unfair criticism in recent years – especially when frustration is high – but at least there’s some respect for him following the heavy defeat to Derby County in midweek.
Having lost 4-1 on Wednesday evening to Frank Lampard’s side, a key criticism about the performance was the lack of pace in the middle of the park from Brunt and youngster Sam Field. Making matters worse, of course, was the hope that the last game, a defeat to Wigan Athletic, was just a bad day at the office – however, registering back to back defeats with another poor defensive showing has hit optimism.
With plenty questioning Brunt as a central midfielder for a while, those questions returned this week and whilst many think he still has a part to play as a squad member, they do want some more pace in the middle of the park.
Dear Chris Brunt. Thanks for memories. Just go now as it’s getting embarrassing #wba
— Scott (@FuzzybuttTaz) October 24, 2018
Dawson ????
— ryan seaman (@r_seaman1990) October 25, 2018
It’s sad when top pros especially loyal ones become replaceable but brunt is finished. His left foot isn’t even a wand anymore. We saw tonight how Huddlestone simplified his game to allow young legs to express themselves #wba #DerbyC
— matt harris (@mattharris80) October 24, 2018
I thought sam tried tbh ????
— Laura Marie (@LauraMarie315) October 24, 2018
Can’t bring myself to criticise the bloke but Chris Brunt in the starting 11 has to stop! Been a jewel at the heart of many good seasons for us but enough is enough now #wba #wbafc
— Adam (@adam_wba) October 24, 2018
Brunt and field in midfield, the two slowest players on the planet #WBA
— chris perry (@pezzathedancer) October 24, 2018
Sick of having to say it but since when has Chris Brunt been a Central Midfielder? Derby had all the time and space in the world against him and Field (so unfit). #wba
— Christopher Powell (@chisstopher) October 24, 2018
I’d like to see more of field without brunt in our midfield. He’s been a good servant, but along with some others looks out of his depth in the side #wba
— Ben Payne (@BenPayne7) October 24, 2018
On a statistics front from the game, website WhoScored had him down as our third best player on the evening for some balance.