Pepe Mel insists his focus is now on Albion’s game against West Ham on Saturday after the Baggies were easily beaten 3-1 by title-chasing Manchester City.
Two goals inside the first ten minutes ended the contest after the Baggies were unable to cope with an early onslaught which saw Pablo Zabelta and Sergio Aguero both score.
After Matej Vydra had a goal wrongfully disallowed for offside, a superb individual strike from Graham Dorrans pulled a goal back for Albion.
But slack defending from a corner allowed Martin Demichelis saw City extended their advantage.
“The fact we conceded in the third minute and by the tenth minute we were 2-0 down,” said Mel.
“We had to therefore change everything we’d been working on during the week.
“But from then the team really did go on and do very well.
“Now we have to look forward to Saturday’s game, which is an absolutely vital game.
“It really is the most important game.
“It can be the game that can spur us on and give us that life.
“I hope the stadium will be full and the fans will be with us, they can really help us in this game.
“The most important thing is to have a positive attitude.
“This game really is a final for us.”
Can Albion beat West Ham on Saturday? Have your say here at Baggies Banter.