This was probably Steve Clarke’s biggest test so far as Albion manager, in my opinion.
How a team bounces back from a heavy defeat shows the characteristics of a side. Let’s make no mistake: after Odemwingie’s stupidity last weekend, Albion were well beaten by a classy Fulham side.
Clarke responded by giving Chris Brunt his first start of the season on the left of an attacking midfield with Zoltan Gera also recalled on the other flank. Loan giant Romelu Lukaka replaced Shane Long as the lone striker.
First half
I expected Albion to come out all guns blazing after Clarke had bemoaned the slow start at Craven Cottage. But that never really materialised. Albion started brightly but there wasn’t any tempo to our play. When we did try and quicken our attacks to often first-time passes went astray.
Thankfully Reading looked short of confidence and were happy to fire long balls forward after they gained possession through our poor passing. Olsson and McAuley were happy to head away hopeful clearances.
The first chance of the game came to James Morrison. The Scotland international picked up the ball 30 yards from goal in space. He ignored calls to initially shoot and took a touch before firing the ball towards the bottom corner. Young Reading stopper Alex McCarthy did excellently to palm the ball around the post when the shot looked destined for the corner.
Reading’s first attack came after Billy Jones was beaten down the right – not for the first time in a one-on-one situation on the afternoon – and Gareth McCleary’s overhead kick was fired straight at Ben Foster.
Albion responded with a clever one-two between Morrison and Gera – whose reverse pass was sublime – which saw the Scotland international drag his shot wide when he really should’ve hit the target.
The visitors were clearly keen to isolate Jones down the right. McAnuff side-stepped the defender before going down after a shove in the back as he approached the penalty box. Referee Foy waved away the appeals. On another day he may have pointed to the spot.
The incident seemed to bring Albion to life in the dying minutes of the first half. A better touch from Lukaku would’ve given him a clear run on goal, but his chance went when he allowed Chris Gunter to intercept and clear for a corner. From the resulting flag-kick, Jonas Olsson headed against the post.
After the break
It was very much of the same in the second half. Reading were happy to defend deep and clear their lines whenever possible. The Royals defence – which included Nicky Shorey – continued to use the long, diagonal ball at every opportunity to try and isolate Jones.
Albion tried to remain patient and kept moving the ball in midfield. The next chance fell to Morrison when he fired a trademark 20 yard volley goalwards. McCarthy again made an excellent save down low and away for a corner. That would be Morrison’s last involvement as he limped off to be replaced by Graham Dorrans.
Minutes later Clarke made another substitution with Shane Long replacing Zoltan Gera as he adopted an attacking 4-4-2 formation. The moved worked almost immediately. Dorrans crossed for Long, the former Reading man headed down for Lukaku who fired home through the defenders’ legs and into the middle of the goal. The goal was just desserts for Albion on a frustrating afternoon.
Reading tried to find an equaliser late on but Robson-Kanu’s late header looped over. Albion played out injury time without any other real scares and ensured Clarke continued his 100% record at The Hawthorns.
On reflection
I think this was a game many Albion fans expected to win – it looked as if the players thought that as well. We never really got into top gear against Reading. It looked as if we almost expected to win – and I think that showed with so many simple passes going astray in the first half.
Reading came for a point and were happy to defend deep and soak up pressure. Albion tried to break the visitors down but it never really happened for us. Many Albion fans predicted a comfortable win before kickoff, but this victory was a classic 1-0 game. Obviously I’m not complaining about winning and getting another three points, but we never reached the performance level we witnessed against Liverpool and Everton.
Clarke’s substitutions – for the third home game running – swung the game in Albion’s favour. The former assistant may be inexperienced as a manager, but he’s certainly shown he knows when the right time is to introduce fresh legs. Let’s hope this continues next week in Witton...
COME ON YOU BAGGIES.
Have your say on Albion's win here at Baggies Banter.