Terry Wills watches Albion beat the champions.
Was it a dream or did it really happen? Little West Bromwich Albion 3 Runaway Premier League Champions Chelsea 0.
No it wasn’t a dream, confirmed by the media in general and now, being awake yours truly. A throbbing noisy atmosphere, the Liquidator booming out, both sets of supporters joining in. Excitement and tension in the air. It was back to the good old days.
This was truly a memorable night, thanks to a tremendous all-round display with every player on song to produce the finest performance from a Tony Pulis team since taking over from Alan Irvine. It was highlighted by two tremendous goals from Saido Berahino and Chris Brunt.
Much has been made of Chelsea being reduced to ten-men thanks to an act of stupidity from Cesc Fabregas. Was it a red card? Opinions vary but if that wasn’t, the tackle that led to Saido’s penalty most certainly was. John Terry should have been left sitting on the bench in company with Jose Mourinho.
Even a man down there’s no denying that Chelsea are a class outfit. Industrious plus superb passing skills there was always a feeling that until the third goal they could still possibly salvage a point. Not to be – with Boaz Myhill in top form aided by resolute defending they thwarted anything thrown at them, while in midfield Claudio Yacob and Victor and James Morrison continually probed to cause problems for the highly-expensive Chelsea outfit.
No-one can possibly deny the achievement made under Tony Pulis. Another clean sheet and considering the frightening last, on paper, extremely difficult fixtures,with just one remaining game he’s steered the Baggies ten points clear of the last and still unknown third relegation spot. Remarkable; no other word fits the bill. Especially as victories against Manchester United and Chelsea, and a draw with Liverpool were achieved without conceding a goal.
So on to the last game, a visit to Highbury (sorry the Emirates) to face an Arsenal side desperate to clinch an automatic Championship league spot. They have to be favourites even though the Baggies recent battling displays will be a stern test for Arsene Wenger’s desperate to win side.
Forecast? An Arsenal win but then if Albion manage to frustrate the Gunners who knows what might happen?
