What Ryan Mason said after West Brom's loss to Watford has got Baggies fans talking | OneFootball

The West Brom boss looked dismayed as his side registered a second loss in three games

West Bromwich Albion manager Ryan Mason admitted that his side’s 2-1 loss was “disappointing” after taking a first-half lead.

Isaac Price put the visitors ahead after 34 minutes, but Imran Louza equalised moments later, before Rocco Vata clinched all three points for the Hornets on the hour mark.

Mason cut a frustrated figure in his post-match interview following the final whistle, suggesting that it was a case of not maximising key moments in the game.

Baggies fans on social media, however, had a more specific analysis of what they felt Mason needs to change going forward.

Ryan Mason assesses “disappointing” game against Watford

Speaking to club media after the game, Mason said: “It’s tough when you come away from home.

“I think the most disappointing thing is we’ve got ourselves into a really good position in the first half, and we let it slip.

“We tried, the lads kept trying, we kept pushing. I mean, we create a really good opportunity – I think Price [has] probably the best opportunity in the game for both teams.

“[We’ve got to] understand that those moments, they’re important. They can change the game, the flow, the momentum and the feel of the game.

“So, yeah, disappointing that, and we have to recover quickly because we’ve got a game in just over 50 hours from now.”

Aside from bringing on George Campbell for the injured Alfie Gilchrist just before Watford’s second, Mason didn’t turn to his bench until the 70th minute.

That meant that his side spent almost 15 minutes trailing behind before the manager opted to throw on Josh Maja and Karlan Grant to try and freshen up the attack and salvage something from the game.

It’s a theme that has been spotted by Baggies fans, and they were quick to point the fact out on social media.

“Late subs again,” said Geordiebaggie. “They dominated 2nd half not just 15 min spell. Men v boys pace wise. So poor. He really isn’t inspiring.”

West Brom fan CaljMo agreed, saying: “I want it to work but his timings on subs are always to late. I think it'll cost him eventually.”

Ryan Mason could soon be in trouble

As things stand, sitting in tenth place, just one point off the play-off places, West Brom’s current position does not seem catastrophic.

But fans, those watching their clubs and the movements closest, are usually among the first to pick up the general direction of travel.

If that’s true here, the short term looks difficult for Mason.

“Looks like he knows, he’s gone,” BobBase874630 said.

Another fan, Albiongold2, added: “I was never convinced from the start and sadly I was right, totally the wrong appointment.”

Others questioned the manager’s game plan, whether he’s out of his depth in what is his first permanent senior management position, and whether he’s the man to inspire confidence in his players.

While the results themselves do not seem terminal from an outside perspective as things stand, if he doesn’t have the fans on his side, then he will be easier to dispense with at the first sign of trouble.

Mason needs to put together a run of good results, or he could be facing some tough questions from the fanbase and his superiors in the near future.