Roberto Di Matteo admitted his concern at Albion’s lack of cutting edge after again seeing them draw a blank for the second time in a week. Following on from the Baggies’ second home defeat of the season on Tuesday against Swansea Albion looked to cement their position at the top of the Championship against Midland’s rivals Coventry.
The Baggies’ head coach opted to recall Abdoulaye Meite in defence with Gonzalo Jara pushed into midfield and Chris Wood dropping to the bench. Despite only having Luke Moore in attack it was Albion who had the early chances with Jerome Thomas and Moore both testing the Coventry ‘keeper.
As the first-half came to a close the ever threatening Thomas jinked his way into the area and looked to be tripped by Coventry defender Martin Cranie. However referee Keith Stroud had other ideas and booked the wideman for diving.
"It was a clear penalty,” Di Matteo insisted.
“I've seen a replay and he touched Thomas.
Despite Albion, and Thomas, being denied two strong calls for a penalty, after the break the Baggies struggled to make any clear-cut chances until the late introduction of Chris Wood.
"We just missed that cutting edge in front of goal today, with a bit of luck sometimes you get a deflection or something going for you,” the Italian continued.
"We want to win games and at the moment we're not winning as many games as we'd like."