West Brom (A) Match Thread - Sponsored by Boing, Boing

[leon]

Just got finished watching it. we're definitely short of quality. We'll get points from games like this down the road, but will it be enough? We have a lot of players who are the team in microcosm, decent and hard-working, showing some good moments, but ultimately not showing the edge of quality needed for the level: McAnuff, Gorkss, Gunter, Leigertwood, probably Pearce and Le Fondre belong on that list too. West Brom were a lot classier and will probably feel they made life difficult for themselves by sloppy mistakes.

I thought Shorey was a big improvement - assured and always positive. Put in some good defensive work too. Good to see that left foot back at work. McCleary is no Kebe. In every game so far, I've found myself wondering what if Jimmy had been there. I think we'll be better with Kebe and Roberts back.

disagree, I think we have enough on the wings especially when Kebe comes back, to cause teams problems, we've just got to get the delivery right. Today we constantly got into good attacking positions but the crossing was poor - change that, and get the strikers attacking the ball in the box (getting Roberts back will help that) and we'll see.

[Royal Lady]

Aren't you actually agreeing with him then Leon?

[urz13]

I was at the game.
First half was encouraging, some nice football, solid defensively but didn't get the ball in the box enough or create anything. 2nd half was the same, unfortunate goal and even worse up top. ALF had an effort blocked which was destined for the top corner and HRK came close but to be honest we were poor in the final third.

We definitely didn't deserve to lose, and there's no need to panic yet (save that for 3 games time if we're still on 1pt). Defensively we were good, Gunter was much better than he has been, Pearce made some superb tackles and McCarthy made some good saves. Guthrie and McCleary were alright, Leigertwood poor and so too McAnuff.
Alf tried hard, got a whack in the face which was an absurd decision not to give a foul, Pog made runs but no-one picked him out, Hunt did alright, HRK too.

Deserved a draw tbh, and certainly not 'atrocious'.

1 shot on target (can anyone remember it?), 1 corner in 90 minutes not atrocious?! God knows how bad we will look when you accept we were atrocious.

Next time then, every time we pass the halfway line lets just have a shot to get the stats up, then we'll be playing fantastically

[Liam_Baggies]

From an Albion point of view:

We were certainly comfortable. Don't think you put us under any sustained pressure and you never really created many chances either. The two centre halves weren't really troubled by the Pog or Le Fondre and if we were it was due to a lapse in concentration on our part. I said it to a Reading fan yesterday, you produce some decent build up play but in the vital areas you just lack that bit of Premier League quality which could haunt you at the end of the season.

As for us, it wasn't our greatest performance either but we certainly created enough chances and thankfully, we had a bit of luck with our goal. Thought we were sloppy in possession, and likewise, Reading looked comfortable dealing with whatever we threw your way. Still, delighted to have gained the three points, and hopefully you can pick some points up soon as I quite like McDermott and would like him to succeed.

Best of luck.