[Dingle-Dingle]

How was that not handball??

Because everyone hates West Brom....... DD

[baggietrousers]

What the f#%k is the point of VAR!!!
A clear foul in the build up to their first, and a handball for their third!!!

[drewks]

Oh well.
Disappointed in one sense but would we have been happy with a point at kick off?
You betcha!

[derbybaggie]

Seems cruel at the end but would have snapped anyone’s hand off before the kick off.
We’re up and running.

[Salopbaggie]

I would bet if that handball had been at the other end the goal would have been disallowed, I think they changed what constitutes handball this season though after all the rubbish last season.

[Ska'dForLife-WBA]

Was mentally prepared for a draw even at 3-0, so not overly heartbroken. But VAR really is a piss-take. My understanding is that they allowed the goal because the handball happened too early in the play to be retroactively judged a foul, but then what's the point of reviewing the footage at all? Either use the video tech or get it the f**k out of the sport altogether.

[Slick_Footwork]

Would've took that result before the game, but it's hard to take after being 3-0 up at half time.

Most teams would be defensively strong enough to park the bus. We don't have that defensive stability.

Have to look at Johnstone for 1st and 3rd goal IMO. But we knew this last season...

Handball rule remains confusing. What's the difference between Havertz for their 3rd goal and what was given against Joel Ward in the Palace game earlier? We need consistency.

But some positives to take nonetheless. Robinson was clinical. Pereira is adapting to the pace of the game. Centre backs getting out quicker to close the shots, which is essential if we stick with this formation. Sawyers looked like a different player - tackling, covering more ground. Bilic has most definitely had a word in his ear.

If we play like that against lesser teams, we will win games. But I'd still prefer 3 in midfield over 3 at the back personally.

[drewks]

Yeah, I've not been a Sawyers fan tbh since his return, but thought he was very good today - the player we need him to be! Much sharper and better with the ball - actually looking to go forward.
For all the stick he's had I also thought Bartley had a good strong game too.

[derbybaggie]

Yeah, I've not been a Sawyers fan tbh since his return, but thought he was very good today - the player we need him to be! Much sharper and better with the ball - actually looking to go forward.
For all the stick he's had I also thought Bartley had a good strong game too.

Sawyers actually had a decent shot as well!

[Blue Baggie]

Great boost for the lads, with Gallagher and Ivanovic waiting in the wings things are looking up.
Teams will now take our threat of scoring more seriously and be more reluctant to play a gung ho approach.
Few odd VAR decisions could have cost us dear IMO.
Things are looking up for us.