Dwight Gayle cut a frustrated figure on Tuesday night.
Watching on at the Hawthorns and powerless to influence matters on the pitch.
An eventful first leg saw the Newcastle loan striker on top form, giving the Baggies the lead before a late team collapse saw Villa score twice and Gayle unlucky to be sent off for a second yellow when a cross was played in between him and the keeper – a ball he had every right to go for.
Suspended last night, he watched his loan teammates win the second leg on the night but lose on penalties overall.
With defeat and no Premier League football to offer, Dwight Gayle has now said his goodbyes to West Brom and their fans on Wednesday morning.
Dwight Gayle via his Twitter account:
“Gutted to finish the season like that as the team and fans were immense last night.
“I’d like to say a big thank you to everyone involved at West Brom for your support over the season it’s been a pleasure.”
Gayle was top scorer with 24 league goals, two ahead of Jay Rodriguez.
Rodriguez took eight penalties this past season and most of them were won by Gayle.
The 24 Dwight Gayle goals came in only 34 starts (plus six appearances as a sub).
When you consider Gayle scored 23 for Newcastle in the 2016/17 promotion from only 26 starts (and six sub appearances)…
That makes it an amazing 47 goals in his last 60 Championship starts (and 12 sub appearances).
I think beyond doubt he will be at a Premier League club next season, whether it is Newcastle or elsewhere.