[ad_pod ]Following West Brom’s disappointing 3-2 defeat to Middlesbrough on Saturday, a number of players came in for criticism from supporters for their display against Tony Pulis’ side.
Amongst those who came under fire was Baggies’ veteran Chris Brunt, who only played seven minutes against Boro, but what went wrong?
Appears to be past it
The former Northern Ireland international has made 24 appearances under Darren Moore so far this season, scoring one goal and recording two assists, but the general tempo of his play has looked lackadaisical, tired and lethargic.
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Brunt has been with the Midlands-based side since 2007, and the weekend marked his 400th appearance for the club across a 12-year stay at the Hawthorns.
The midfielder has always caught the eye with his exquisite left foot, and has made a name for himself thanks to his technical ability and impressive passing range. Unfortunately, it now looks like his best days are behind him, and he is holding the Baggies back in their battle for an immediate return to the Premier League.
What went wrong against Boro?
Brunt, as aforementioned, only played seven minutes after coming on for Sam Field in the 83rd minute, but it was his mishit clearance almost immediately after entering the fray that allowed Britt Assombalonga to steal in and smash home the winner.
West Brom managed to oversee a tremendous deadline day triple swoop, bringing in Jefferson Montero, Jacob Murphy and Stefan Johansen, and the latter of that trio will most likely see Brunt’s playing time become even more limited.
Sadly, having served the Baggies so well throughout his time at the club, the Northern Irishman should now be deemed surplus to requirements under Moore. Interestingly, he has made 15 starts this season, but that may be because of a lack of squad depth – he has certainly been holding the side back, and Johansen’s arrival should end his involvement in the starting XI indefinitely.