After the victory on Saturday I went on SportsTonightLive to give my thoughts on Albion’s best ever start to a Premier League season. One of the presenters said to me that a few years ago we would’ve lost that game. He was probably right. In fact, games last season at home against Swansea, Wigan and Norwich were ones we threw away when they were there for the taking.
Personally speaking, I didn’t think Albion ever got out of fourth gear against Reading. Sure we didn’t need to against a struggling side, but the players realised that if they stayed patient the opening goal would come. I’m sure lots of fans turned up on Saturday expecting a goal fest. In the end it was a classic 1-0.
During the periods of the game when we did try to force opportunities we gave the ball away cheaply and gave the initiative back to Reading. I’m sure if we’d have played anywhere near the standard we did against Liverpool and Everton we’d have scored more goals.
I’m not sure this patience we’ve gained during games is down to the influence of Steve Clarke or the players progressing and gaining experience in the top flight. Either way, not playing to our potential and still winning is a great attribute to have. Too often in the past under Megson and Mowbray we’ve bemoaned great performance but no points.
And so we move on Wednesday’s league cup game against Liverpool. When Steve Clarke took over at The Hawthorns he indicated his desire to win a cup with the Baggies. Tomorrow night’s selection – with Saturday’s game against Aston Villa in mind – will show how seriously he really is taking the cup competitions this season.
Either way, let’s hope for another morale boosting home win and three more points this Saturday.
COME ON YOU BAGGIES.
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