Terry Wills on matters Albion.
It’s not often that events after the final whistle dominatesthe headlines.But that was the case following another tedious, predictable game against bottom of the table Sunderland, albeit one that at long last saw the Baggies win their first home game of the season.
Again the fans were forced to endure Tony Pulis’s philosophy of defend in depth, give nothing away, a clean sheet and it’s another point nearer safety. Thankfully it worked but the lack of any attacking intent was SO obvious, as proved when after Saido Berahino scored his disputed winning goal it was back to normal. A ten man defence, Craig Gardner replacing Berahino (who had been our only likely goalscoring threat) to ensure the Black Ca’s hopefully wouldn’t snatch a late point.
There were a few plus points, highlighted by a brought in from the cold display from Stephane Sesseganon. Playing wide right his trickery and pace, had seen him a constant threat. More of the same please, providing Pulis keeps him in the side. Boaz Myhill made a brilliant save to deny the visitors an opening goal, Gareth McCauley and Jonnie Evans did their fair bit in defence to frustrate Sam Allardyce’ hopes of working an instant improvement.
And so to the the overriding topic. James McClean, after being on the end of non stop abuse from Sunderland supporters, pointing a clenched fist in their direction, Mayhem as some of their players rushed in to what I’ll politely name as displeasure. They pushed and shoved McClean, Albion players rushed to defuse the incident and thankfully peace was restored. Subsequently he escaped an FA ban and was warned about his conduct while Sunderland have been reminded about the responsibility of their players.
McLean’s temperament is well documented. Baggies fans are hoping that under Tony Pulis’s guidance it won’t happen again as the squad is thin enough without having to cope with unnecessary suspensions.
On to this week’s Greed League game away at Norwich. It’s our second visit in a few weeks after, with Tony Pulis fielding a reserve team, it was the Canaries chirping to celebrate dumping Albion out of the League Cup.
That must not happen this time. With a virtual fully fit squad comes the opportunity to reverse that disappointing setback. It won’t be easy; Norwich are in a similar league position as Albion and confident of beating the Baggies. It’s a difficult game to forecast but hopefully we’ll return home with a result. Home advantage suggest that Norwich will be the more likely winners but if we can defend too the best of our ability and thwart their attacking capabilities we can gain another three, or more likely one point.
