Terry Wills on a frustrating afternoon for the Albion.
Now what did I say last week? “I wouldn’t be surprised if Albion failed too beat another struggling club – it’s a built in habit”. And we promptly get West Bromwich Albion 0-Norwich City 1.
I won’t dwell on the positive vibes for the simple reason they were few and far between. Take out Claudio Yacob and arguably Stephane Sessegnon, the rest of the outfield players appeared to be going through the motions against the worst team seen at the Hawthorns this season.
Norwich City – a side that in all their away games had failed to keep a clean sheet. But Albion were so ineffective that apart from an early missed chance from Sessegnon, their defence was rarely tested. The Canaries winning goal, best described as a gift, was a worthy candidate for inclusion among one of Football’s Funniest Moments.
A clutch of defenders, a cross into the box, McCauley and Jonas Olsson in a tangle, a can’t-miss chance for Matt Jarvis. He mis-kicked and the ball fell at the feet of Robbie Brady to prod home.
Joy for City fans. Anguish for Baggies supporters.
Jonas Olsson in particular had a nightmare game, giving added weight to those that think he’ll never reproduce the form that for years has seen him as the lynchpin in defence. Perhaps so. Only time will tell and that of course depends on whether the club and Tony Pulis in conjunction think he should be offering what could be a new short term contract?
Darren Fletcher and Jonnie Evans were also well below their best and I feel that Evans should be played in his natural best position back four.
No game this week due to another unwanted, unpopular, international break giving Tony Pulis the opportunity to convince the players that they cannot play so badly in the remaining eight games starting at Sunderland. Another team currently in danger of relegation – need more be said?
