Think most of us have known for a while that there has been enough quality in this squad for us to be much higher up the table than we are (hence a lot of the anger and frustration) but tapping into that potential and managing it properly to get the best results out of them has been a massive part of our problem whether that be under Fat Sam, Ismael or -particularly-Bruce. Not saying that the players themselves should not shoulder some of the blame for c rap performances but recent changes in fortune clearly show the importance of having a decent manager. Anyhow, enjoy your night out! 🍺
My first match today since the first match of last season so for me it really was like starting afresh.
We are actually a very good side with some very decent players.
That was the most attacking, most controlled and most pleasing and complete performance I have seen from Albion since the end of the season before we got relegated from the Prem under Pardew.
There wasn’t a weak link today, every player played well, Yokuslu was superb but so was Moloumby and Wallace, Asante was terrific, Bartley an absolute rock.
This is all down to the manager, I was wrong after game one.....he very clearly knows what he’s doing, it’s me that’s the idiot!
I have no doubt we’ll make the play offs after watching the quality of this display.
What a difference, for a while now I’ve looked around enviously at young, enthusiastic and energetic coaches, now I feel we have one ourselves.
I recall being irritated by Carlos and his assistant’s at The Hawthorns last season, their constant berating and pestering of the fourth official, their unwillingness to sit still for a split second like over excited children, now I love it!
This squad needed this more than any other squad, as did the fan base, we now play slick confident football with an energetic threat up front. The rejuvenation of Phillips and Bartley is proof that older players can be turned around no matter how stale we all think they’ve become. If we can become fitter and sharper, and I think we do already, there’s no reason why this team under this management can’t climb the table quickly.
Asante has looked a rough diamond in need of a good polish, today he looked so many grades higher than in previous outings, his confidence, hold up play, vision and distribution, closing down, goal threat and energy cost us about £17.5 Million cheaper than the man whose boots he’s filled! He looks really settled at this level and has obviously been worked on and it shows, after that wonder goal he’s only going to improve further, add Dike in the mix and we could be frightening up front.
I’ll be very interested to see the condition of players like Livermore and Grant after the World Cup under this manager. Whether the stoppage will be a good thing or a bad thing we’ll have to wait and see but personally I’d prefer to carry on and not lose the momentum. Others are saying it could act as the perfect pre season Carlos never had, if so I expect a few leaner looking players come the start back in December.
Good day all round! Great putting names to faces just a shame I couldn’t spend more time catching up! Performances under Corberan get better week in week out, he certainly does his homework on the opposition, I know it’s the hope that kills but mine is back!
I was impressed with Asante today, what a contrast to the lazy Grant.
Been a while since I've been to a game but the Vine was always a favourite. Never looked much from the outside but great atmosphere inside and good grub (maybe not so good if you don't like Indian ! 😀 As for the doddering lot, best be a bit careful as we're not too far away ourselves now 😮
Anyhow, glad you all managed to meet up and had a great time
Outstanding again, what a difference under a coach that knows what he is doing