Roberto Di Matteo
Roberto Di Matteo saluted Albion’s battling defenders after they held off Leicester’s second-half pressure to claim a vital win.
The Baggies dominated the first half and led 2-0 at the break but had to defend stoutly after the interval as Leicester mounted a mini-fightback.
“It’s a difficult ground to go to and win and I thought our performance was excellent,” said Di Matteo. “I was very pleased with how the team did.
“Before the game they were one point behind us and I still believe they will be in the mix.
“We are looking a lot more solid and defending much better. I was a bit disappointed to concede such a late goal but in the last six games we have only conceded six goals and that speaks for our defensive work ethic.
“I am not looking at the table at the moment. What is important is that we pick up a point here and three points there.
“A 2-0 lead is always comfortable unless you concede. If the opposition get one back, even in the last seconds of the game, it’s always a bit jittery.
“But I thought we should have added a third goal before then to put the game to bed. We certainly had the chances to.
“I thought we did everything quite well. We defended and attacked well and also moved the ball around well. We controlled the game the majority of the time and didn’t give them any space. It was a good all-round team performance.
“Considering we have long-term injuries to Miller, Morrison and Clement, we have had a decent start. But once everyone’s back on board, we will be more competitive.
“It was a good performance but we conceded a goal. I was looking for a third clean sheet in a row. But we are getting better defensively.”
Leicester manager Nigel Pearson conceded his team lost to a better side.
But the former Baggies assistant was left ruing injuries to key midfielders Andy King and Matt Oakley at the end of the first half.
He said: “I don’t think there are any arguments with regard to the result but we had a 10-minute spell when whatever could go wrong did go wrong.
“We conceded two goals and suffered two injuries midfield players in that spell so it was a difficult day in that respect and I don’t think that we ever really got our rhythm back.
“When we scored the first one, which was a poor goal to concede, we were enjoying our best spell of the game.
“I’ve got no complaints with the result. They were the better side and they passed the ball very well.
“We were disappointed that we didn’t reproduce the form of our last game at QPR, but you’ve got to give them some credit as well.”
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One Comment
Well said both managers, (sod the ‘head-coach’ bit). Pearson has come from further back than we have but still has a classy side that will get even better. Roberto is gradually stamping his ways on our team. To think we have 3 players to come back who would normally walk into any Championship team, yet can’t be guaranteed a place in this one is awe inspiring. Now for a consistent goal scorer and the last pieces of the jigsaw won’t need a hammer to make them fit!
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