Terry Wills on Albion’s misfortunes.
A week of contrasting fortunes, some good, some frankly best described as awful, but lightened by realising one of the future Greed League hottest prospects would be staying at the Hawthorns, which went some way towards appeasing the situation.
First the 2-1 defeat on Tyneside, a game that leaf to leading Newcastle’s manger Alan Pardew telling a watching television audience “I thought West Brom were great.”
It was an opinion not shared by many Baggies fans or the press in general, but did lead to the Match of the Day team saying West Brom are doing well under Steve Clarke.
Albion looked solid but the manner of the opening goal was, putting it mildly, unexpected due to a rare mistake from Boaz Myhill. An outfielder can make countless mistakes and get away with them but when the last line of
defence follows suit…..need more be said?
A Chris Brunt equaliser, followed by a spell of Baggies pressure, raised hopes that they could return home with at least a point but to no avail. A stunning drive from Sissoku sealed Newcastle’s win leaving both the team and supporters ‘enjoying’ nothing more than the traditional long ride back to God Country in a sombre mood.
Youssoff Mulumbu picked up his fifth Yellow card so for the Hawthorns game against Manchester City I couldn’t help wonder how badly his absence would be missed.
Baggies 2 City 3. Sounds close but after the fluent, fast moving, multi-millionaire assembled side had opened an early two goal lead, the feeling was we were set for a right old tonking. Mercifully we improved although rarely looking as threatening, but when referee Chris Foy awarded City a spot kick after denying Albion two reasonable shouts, that was that. Another defeat and the Baggies annual winter of discount was set in motion.
Mercifully there were plus points. Saido Berahino, what a prospect. Claudio Yacob, minimising Mulumbu’s absence, and Morgan Amalfitano looking more assured causing problems. And what about seeing substitute Victor Anichebe scoring his first goal? Encouraging – more please.
Albion’s capacity for conceding goals at a rate of knots HAS to be rectified. Nine in the last four games spells trouble. Struggling Norwich are Saturday’s visitors and if we fail to pick up the three points Steve Clarke will REALLY be under pressure. So who will win the battle of the birds – the Throstles or the Canaries?
Come on you Baggies.
