THE FINAL INSULT VARDY’S GOAL OF THE SEASON PARTY?
WRETCHED West Brom shipped four goals at home for the latest time this season.
And once again it left their embattled boss effectively pleading to be put out of his misery.
Just as a 4-0 defeat to Chelsea in November sounded the death knell for Tony Pulis at the Welshman’s suggestion, so this could be the end for his successor Alan Pardew too.
But Chelsea are champions, while Leicester had not won in five league games and Baggies players had stopped trying by the end in disgraceful scenes.
Relegation is now inevitable for the bottom club who are eight points adrift of safety with eight matches left.
Judging by the last 15 minutes here, the remaining games will be more torture.
Little wonder Pardew, after just one win in 16 league outings, hopes to talk to the board to see if they want him to continue.
The players clearly do not, given a series of spineless displays under him as well as flagrant breaches of his authority.
Albion’s campaign has included four senior players breaking a curfew in Spain and allegedly stealing a taxi, dressingroom rows and now
Charlie Daniels Antonio Valencia
Poland international Grzegorz Krychowiak refusing to shake Pardew’s hand when replaced on 59 minutes by Sam Field.
Pardew said: “I do have a problem with it because I’ve supported him and played him and stuck by him when he’s not been particularly great.
“And to come off and not shake my hand. I made it very clear to him on the bench I’m
Sofiane Boufal
not accepting that, I think it’s wrong. He’s a player on loan who should show respect.”
If Pardew had trouble inspiring his men before this latest capitulation it will be almost impossible now.
That is why a parting before the end of the season seems increasingly likely even if it will make little difference to the outcome of the campaign.
Having dodged a bullet at Watford despite a sixth successive loss the previous weekend, the manner in which Albion rolled over against Leicester may provoke a rethink.
Relegation is bad enough, but to go down with well-paid players not giving everything is an added insult to Albion fans.
The hosts started well,
Wayne Rooney Mo Salah
Salomon Rondon putting them ahead early on. But the moment Jamie Vardy volleyed in a brilliant equaliser in the 21st minute, Albion’s fragile confidence shattered.
The impressive Riyad Mahrez made it 2-1 just after the hour and sub Kelechi Iheanacho grabbed his first Premier League goal of the season. Vincente Iborra added a fourth.
By the final whistle the Hawthorns was largely empty, and there was no reaction from the Albion players, who trudged off like a team used to losing. Perhaps that is no surprise given it was a 23rd defeat in 38 league games.
Pardew has just seven victories in 54 and, like his team, has perhaps forgotten how to win.
Fans are likely to want to forget the entire season.
Pedro Obiang Mo Salah