Last weekend saw us suffer a disappointing 3-1 defeat against Newcastle United at The Hawthorns, meaning we have now lost nine home games this season.
In truth, the result was never in doubt after we found ourselves 2-0 down less than 15 minutes into the game. We conceded a third goal not long before half-time and, apart from a brief period of pressure and a goal from Shane Long just after half-time, we never really caused them any problems.
Long was probably the only outfield player to have played anywhere near as well as he is capable of, with Ben Foster once again being forced into two or three fine saves to keep the score down.
Over the course of a nine-month season, there are always going to be games where you are beaten by a side who, on the day, are simply better than you.
However, something which a lot of Albion fans were not happy with was an apparent lack of commitment from several players.
Déjà vu
After having our survival mathematically secured before the trip to Molineux last season, the players took their foot off the gas and we experienced one of our worst results of the season as a result.
There have been some similarities between that particularly game and our two most recent performances, with several players looking as though they have taken their foot off the gas and are taking it for granted that we are going to be in the Premier League.
Although we should be safe bearing in mind we are still 11 points clear of the relegation zone and are only four points away from reaching the 40-point mark, which essentially guarantees Premier League safety, allowing complacency to creep in shows a total lack of professionalism and a lack of respect for the supporters paying good money to attend matches.
Setback
Another disappointment from Sunday’s game was an injury picked up by James Morrison, who had to leave the pitch with knee ligament damage. Thankfully, it has been confirmed by the club that Morrison has injured his medial ligament as opposed to his cruciate ligament, which means he could still play again this season.
This weekend sees us travel to Goodison Park to take on Everton, a game which will be a good test to see whether the players have the right attitude for the remaining games.
When we played Everton at home earlier in the season, a late goal from Victor Anichebe settled what was probably one of the worst games I have seen at any level this season.
Roy Hodgson suggested last week that he might give other players a chance if/when our Premier League status is guaranteed, but I believe certain first-team regulars will be doing very well to be in the side Saturday based on their previous two performances.
It will undoubtedly be a tough game, but hopefully we can play well and pick up a positive result!
Boing Boing!