After a dismal few performances (no exaggeration there) we were back at The Hawthorns hosting a Sunderland side without a win all season and a new manager – normally the perfect recipe for a result on their behalf. However this was not the case. Under old managers I would have put my week's wages on us losing this game. We didn’t thanks to a 1-0 win; yet I still walked away from the ground uninspired, unexcited and more worryingly not all that bothered. The after effect of watching a typical Tony Pulis victory is probably (actually, most definitely) the reason for my lack of enthusiasm.
Yes, it was three points gained against a side who WILL be down there come the end of the season. Yes it has put a nice gap between us and the bottom three. Yes it was another pretty solid defensive performance. But it was just dull as they come. Personally, I've struggled to watch my beloved Albion so far this season. Our lack of goals, our lack of creativity, our lack of forward passing and our lack of shots really is painful to watch.
I’m contradicting myself in a way, as when Pulis was appointed everyone was quick to talk about the horrendous football ahead. But after his reign at Palace, mixed with his defensive stability (something Albion have long craved) I brushed the warnings off and couldn’t wait for the new chapter. Oh how wrong I was (so far anyway)! Even on the odd occasion where we have won this season I have struggled to stay awake during the game. Even though we are strong defensively and can now grind out results I really don’t know how long The Albion faithful will withstand “The Pulis Way” unless something changes soon.
On the bright side, Sess made a long overdue appearance out of the shadows and was quite possibly our best player. Even though he didn’t do anything that special, it was just refreshing to see a player actually run forward and take on a man. Our only shot on target (if you can call it a shot) was from Saido once again, further proof that we need him in our side as he is the one player we have who will guarantee goals. Another clean sheet with Gmac and Evans looking solid and we now sit comfortable in mid table with a bit of breathing space between us and the drop zone.
Surely we should be going to Norwich looking for the 3 points, they just had a battering from a poor looking Newcastle side and are definitely a team we should be looking to brush aside with ease. However knowing us we will set up for a 0-0 away performance. I really do hope I’m wrong.
Come on you Baggies
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Follow Andrew Plant on Twitter @ap_wba