21-10-2014, 22:24
(This post was last modified: 23-10-2014, 00:27 by Ska'dForLife-WBA.)
So, with an unexpected but welcome point under our belt, we prepare for the main event. Since the woeful spectacle of the Everton match in September, we've managed a string of increasingly impressive performances and taken seven points - a decent spell of form by any measure - but now comes the real test; four matches in just over a fortnight, comprising a cup tie against beatable opposition and three league games against teams currently below us in the table. We've seen some promising things from this Albion team; now to make sure the job gets done when it matters.
![[Image: image.jpg]](http://s2.postimg.org/ouqh24kjd/image.jpg)
Without wanting to get too carried away, during the first half-hour against Manchester United - and at a few other points when we managed to break out of their increasing stranglehold - there were flashes of an Albion team I'd thought were long gone. You'd have to wind the clock back at least to the days of Roberto Di Matteo, or perhaps even Tony Mowbray, to see such crisp, high-tempo one-touch passing executed so well by our players, and it was achieved against a team who remain a huge force in the Premier League in spite of their recent problems. Comfortable possession of the ball coupled with the continuing form of Saido Berahino could potentially spell a very good season for Albion.
But of course, we need to rid ourselves of that gremlin which has dogged us in recent years (no, not Paul Merson); the propensity to deliver great performances against top teams which produce only draws or narrow defeats, and then doze off against more humble opposition and end up thinking ourselves lucky when we scrape another draw. Crystal Palace are still a highly-organised team, especially away from home, and will be looking to shut us out and hit fast on the counter. And of course, there's the effect of Colin; forever a thorn in our side and no doubt already clued-up on every possible threat we can pose and every weakness that can be exploited. Having now lost two on the bounce, Palace will be highly-motivated to get a result on Saturday. Quite simply, we have to want it more. Let's keep our heads screwed on and get that job done.
Be afraid. Be very afraid.
Without wanting to get too carried away, during the first half-hour against Manchester United - and at a few other points when we managed to break out of their increasing stranglehold - there were flashes of an Albion team I'd thought were long gone. You'd have to wind the clock back at least to the days of Roberto Di Matteo, or perhaps even Tony Mowbray, to see such crisp, high-tempo one-touch passing executed so well by our players, and it was achieved against a team who remain a huge force in the Premier League in spite of their recent problems. Comfortable possession of the ball coupled with the continuing form of Saido Berahino could potentially spell a very good season for Albion.
But of course, we need to rid ourselves of that gremlin which has dogged us in recent years (no, not Paul Merson); the propensity to deliver great performances against top teams which produce only draws or narrow defeats, and then doze off against more humble opposition and end up thinking ourselves lucky when we scrape another draw. Crystal Palace are still a highly-organised team, especially away from home, and will be looking to shut us out and hit fast on the counter. And of course, there's the effect of Colin; forever a thorn in our side and no doubt already clued-up on every possible threat we can pose and every weakness that can be exploited. Having now lost two on the bounce, Palace will be highly-motivated to get a result on Saturday. Quite simply, we have to want it more. Let's keep our heads screwed on and get that job done.
Classic Match
West Bromwich Albion 2-0 Crystal Palace
Football League Division One: 17th April 2002
Need I say more?
"I would rather spend a holiday in Tuscany than in the Black Country, but if I were compelled to choose between living in West Bromwich or Florence, I should make straight for West Bromwich." - J.B. Priestley