Terry Wills reflects on the growing gap between the Albion and the top of the Premier League.
Sadly, but predictably, the pre-match feeling that Albion were set for a second successive defeat proved to be spot on as we left the Emirates smarting from a 3-0, virtually all one way, reverse.
Like other Baggies fans I was left reflecting on the situation that after 11 games we were probably slightly worse off than pre-season optimism dictated. One consolation, if there is a consultation, is that of these eleven games two came early at the hands of Manchester United and Chelsea, with Liverpool and Arsenal being the most recent. At least that’s a reasonable excuse…. isn’t it!?
It was our misfortune to face an Arsenal side in the middle of a winning run and that, with Robin Van Persie on top form, simply demonstrated the vast difference between Greed League hopefuls and clubs simply making up the numbers when it comes to determining where the trophies will be heading come season’s end. The sparkle of the victories against Wolves and Villa was noticeable by it’s absence. But then the sheer difference in quality was there for all to see.
Yes, in occasional spells the Baggies played some good football but with so many players not at their best it was virtually a banker home victory. Agreed, injuries are playing a part, and with Shane Long out for some time, while Peter Odemwingie seemingly chooses which games to miss through yet another training ground injury, goals will be even harder to come by in a mixed bag of matches coming up after the International break.
Bolton, Blackburn, Queens Park Rangers and Wigan are up next, all at face value giving hope that three points can be added to ease the pressure on Roy Hodgson and his players. Conversely, matches against a VERY in-form Spurs, then Newcastle United and a certain Manchester City, make it plain that should we not win the ‘winnable’ games, then the league position will be, to put it mildly, dodgy.
Some fans are begining to question Roy Hodgson’s qualities when assessing his team selections. This was almost inevitable, but should he eventually move on that England position will be open, and whatever anyone’s thoughts on Roy being offered the chance to take over from Cappello, losing Michael Appleton to Portsmouth could turn out to be a big loss.
‘Appy’ is popular among both players and supporters and all Albion supporters will wish him the best of luck. If his managership enthusiasm is anything like his playing ability, then Pompey will have secured a potentially successful manager.
But all that’s in the future. What matters now is stabilising our position among, well almost among, those moneybags clubs out to win every serious honour they set their minds on.
Come on you Baggies.
