Monday night was a game many Albion fans were dreading.In seasons gone by we all know what would’ve happened against a struggling side bottom of the league.
Yet, Steve Clarke’s well drilled outfit, marshalled in defence by Jonas Olsson and Gareth McAuley, shielded by a combative midfield duo in Youssouf Mulumbu and Claudio Yacob and energised by Shane Long and Peter Odemwingie, saw Albion end their unfortunate mini-slump.
Albion had performed admirably against Manchester City at home and Newcastle away in recent weeks. But consecutive defeats put extra emphasis on beating Southampton. Three points were very much needed. No team wants to go to three games unbeaten in the Premier League. The longer you’re on a losing slide the more difficult it is to get off it. We know this very well during RDM’s Premier League campaign.
But two fine goals – the second, one of the best counter-attacking moves you could wish to see – eased any worries. By 10pm on Monday night Albion fans were heading home happy for their cocoa. The victory moved Albion up to fifth in the division and on to an impressive 17 points from only ten games. Who would’ve thought that at the start of the season?
The Latics
This Saturday Albion travel north to Wigan. The trip to the JJB Stadium last season was one of the most disappointing of last term, as far as I was concerned. Backed by thousands of Albion fans, the Baggies simply failed to turn up. Ben Foster kept Albion in the game before Paul Scharner rescued a point.
Wigan are in good form themselves. Last week’s victory against Spurs will be a major shot in the arm for Roberto Martinez’s men. Worryingly, it looks as if Albion won’t be able to rely upon ‘Fozzy’ this weekend. Albion’s No.1 is currently in Europe seeing a specialist about a troublesome groin injury. It doesn’t sound good. Foster’s departure gives Boaz Myhill another chance to stake a claim for a first team spot – and help Albion continue their impressive defensive record.
COME ON YOU BAGGIES
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