In defeat, defiance

Terry Wills ponders on the two differing performances in Albion’s recent losses.

Now what did I say last week? Oh yes (!)

“It would be easy to say that that after holding the Greed League leaders we will beat the Toffees, but then as it’s West Bromwich Albion we’re talking about who knows?”

And so it came to pass, on a cold miserable wet New Year’s Day when Albion’s performance not only matched the weather but on reflection managed to beat it. In a word it was awful. From the start a weakened starting line-up was matched by body language that that set the pattern. Casual on the ball, sloppy and inaccurate passing, a minimum of shots (the Everton keeper never had a serious shot to disturb his afternoon siesta), tackling in name only, all rounded off as Paul Scharner decided to award a late Christmas present by conveniently heading the ball to an unmarked Victor Anichebe, who surely have said “Thank you very much for allowing me to score my first ever Greed League goal- it’s only been two years!”

The weakened side, minus in particular the influential Youssof Mulumbu in midfield, left the crowd wondering just why they had bothered to turn up and the chorus of boos at the final whistle summed up what had been a total non-event. The only positives was another sound competent performance from Gareth McAuley and a promising debut by Craig Dawson but as for the rest ….

Up front Shane Long clearly wasn’t fit while the enigmatic Peter Odemwingie, fresh from scoring two tremendous goals at Blackburn and Newcastle, promptly tossed away our best chance just after half-time by blasting the ball well over with only the keeper to beat. What amazed many supporters was that while David Moyes bought on three substitutes, feeling they would improve his team, Roy Hodgson in his wisdom decided he’d stick with his none performing players. Post-match when questioned as to why he hadn’t used them he simply said “I didn’t think they could improve on what was on the field.”

Obviously he knows and clearly understands what’s needed to win games but in this instance I reckon the only ones that were grateful was the delighted Everton supporters.

Onto the visit to White Hart Lane to take on a high-flying Spurs and I doubt that even the most optimistic of Baggies supporters envisaged coming away with anything other than a defeat.Especially seeing as the ever growing injury list had worsened with Olsson, Mulumbu, Reid, Chris Brunt and Long missing, James Morrison not fully fit and among the substitutes, then Jerome Thomas limping off to subsequently join the Hawthorns Outpatients casualty unit.

A 1-0 defeat summed up the game and credit to the Baggies for a far more disciplined, well organised display that put that Everton display into perspective.

Okay, apart from the final 15 minutes we rarely threatened the Spurs goal but during the closing stages there must have been uneasy feelings that we could possibly have snatched a point to frustrate their ever-growing title challenge from Harry Redknapp and their supporters.

It wasn’t to be so it’s back to square one. Seven points clear of a potential relegation spot that at face value appears invaluable, but with this season’s crazy results becoming the norm nothing can be taken for granted. It will be a case of giving 100% every game to ensure we do stay clear of being sucked back into the relegation battle for survival.

With the transfer window open there is speculation as to who, if anyone, may be making their way to the Hawthorns. By reputation Albion rarely ‘splash the cash but should they reverse the process it could be that they ask the BBC if they can take some of the personnel from Holby City to supplement the overworked Albion medical staff, who must be wondering just when or if the injury situation will show any signs of easing.

This week it’s FA Cup time, when Roy Hodgson will surely select a ‘reserve’ team to take on Cardiff City. Sadly the days when winning the most prestigious cup final in world football meant everything are long gone and now most clubs use it to ensure the chances of their top players not being injured and having to miss vital league fixtures. Naturally fans always want to see their team win but should the Welsh outfit knock out a below strength West Bromwich Albion then I know a lot of supporters that won’t be over concerned. What would be worrying would be the thought of a replay – the manager, players, and fans would hardly be jumping for joy at such a prospect.

Come on you Baggies!