Albion 2 Fulham 1
Saturday 23rd October 2010, 5:19PM BST.
Albion climbed to fourth place in the Premier League as they staged another impressive comeback.
They trailed to an unlucky ninth-minute own-goal from goalkeeper Scott Carson, who put through his own net trying to keep out a stinging drive from Baggies old-boy Zoltan Gera.
But the hosts controlled most of the game and they were behind for just eight minutes before Youssouf Mulumbu latched onto a pass from the outstanding Chris Brunt to score his first goal of the season.
Brunt then played his part in a fabulous move as Albion made it 2-1 with Marc-Antoine Fortune eventually side-footing home from a Jerome Thomas pull-back.
It meant a miserable return for Gera and fellow ex-Baggies Jonathan Greening, who received warm applause, and Diomansy Kamara, who was roundly booed.
Albion could have led as early as the fifth minute when Chris Brunt delivered a right-wing corner onto the head of Jonas Olsson. But the Swede, at full stretch, could only divert the ball over the bar.
They made life hard for themselves again when they fell behind on nine minutes.
Mulumbu was caught in possession and the Baggies backed off Gera, whose thunderous drive was pushed onto the post by the diving Carson, who was unlucky to see the ball hit his back and bounce in.
It could have been worse moments later but another Baggies old-boy, Kamara, fired wide after a mistake by Gonzalo Jara.
But the Baggies were level on 17 minutes when they broke with purpose and Brunt fed Mulumbu with a stunning pass that was turned in by the midfielder.
Stephen Kelly had to clear off the Fulham line to keep out a Olsson header as Albion upped the tempo.
The Baggies were ahead on 45 minutes when Mulumbu won a fabulous tackle inside his own half and started a fine Baggies move that ended with a goal.
Jara’s ball bounced off Fortune to Brunt, who threaded a perfect pass for Jerome Thomas on the left, and the winger took his time to pick out Fortune for a simple finish.
The Baggies continued to hold the territorial advantage but they struggled to find the third goal that would have calmed nerves among the capacity home crowd.
Gabriel Tamas headed over from a Brunt corner and Paul Scharner drew an excellent save from goalkeeper Mark Schwarzer in the Fulham goal, keeping out a goal-bound effort after smart work by Brunt and substitute Roman Bednar.
There were appeals for a penalty when Jerome Thomas went down under Kelly’s challenge but replays showed the Irishman had won the ball.
And James Morrison fired across goal and wide after being sent clear by apinpoint clearance from Scott carson.
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What a strange two weeks it has been since our last game. I haven’t looked over my neighbour’s fence with as much interest since Pamela Anderson moved in next door and regularly used her trampoline, writes Albion blogger Jarrod Hill.
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Good, accurate write up and a good game with Baggies deserving winners.
A Romanian had my spare seat. Not easy to converse, so we used sign language. He’d come to see Tamas and went away delighted.
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Another great result, know wait for the wolves fans to say, they only lost TWO nil to Chelsea, when we all know they would swop with us in a heartbeat if they could, still hope they stop up though !
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Another great win,4th in table wait till this team jells.Best sort my passport out for next season.THE FUTURES BRIGHT IT’S BLUE AND WHITE.
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Well the dream continues. For this evening at least we are officially one of the big four!!!!! Another excellent performance and with a bit more luck we could have had more goals. Some of our play on the break in the second half was brilliant only let down by the finishing. Well done Robbie and the lads, keep it going we are well worth our position the performances since Chelsea have been superb. Let’s get Mulumbu signed up for life!!!!!!
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Another three points towards safety. The minder deserved to be selected for man of the match. Brunt again had a massive say in the outcome of the game while Thomas was a bundle of tricks and pacey. Shorey had another fine game. The Di Matteo band-wagon keeps rolling on, which suits me just fine.
And above all, there wasn’t a card show to either side, which is a rarity these days. Thanks Fulham for an entertaining match.
BOING~~~~BOING~~~~JtH.
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Just got the laptop cranked up. Got to New York about an hour ago. Takes ages to load up so the usual negative scenarios go through my mind. 2-1 AND top four. BRILLIANT. Well done the lads and RDM. Back to cheer you on in person, soon.
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thought this prem league was hard,well it proberly is for some teams,aye boing boing
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What a performance, what a team! Solid in defence, both combative and creative in midfield, and creating loads of chances up front, right now i feel this side is capable of giving anyone a run for their money…and i can;t believe i’d ever say that!
So many MoM contenders too, Mulumbo rightly won it, but Morrison and Tamas had possibly their best ever games in an Albion shirt. As ever Brunt was excellent, and JT always looked threatening. Special mention for Jara, who not only made a superb tackle on the edge of our area to stop a dangerous Fulham attack, but promptly played an excellent upfield ball to Fortune which led to the 2nd goal – quality! When you consider none of Odemwingie, Dorrens, Cox, Cech, Miller, Reid and Barnes were playing (for one reason or another)then it only underlines just how promising things are looking right now. Sure, theres gonna be a defeat or two in store proberbly soon, but overall things could not be any better!
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Just back, another fantastic result for the Baggie Boys, is this team growing week on week or what! Only downside for me was the ref again, there was blatant free kicks (on both sides) but the majority for us, and three minutes added again, where from?
Carson looked a bit wobbly again at times, and his obvious relief come the whistle was clear for every one to see in the SME. He now has a class defence in front of him, but seems unable to boss it, on several occasions he never called the ball, and this lead for some very nervous fumblings.
On a happier note, Tchoyi for the very short time he was on, was superb, finally a player who is as faster as lightening AND skill full, rather than just one or the other, the run he made from our own half past two or three Fulham players and then finished with an excellent cross was worth the admission on its own. If he can do that on a regular basis, Odemwingie is going to receive the service he deserves, and will score a lot of goals this season, a lot of goals. More players like this please, the guy is quality. Occupying a Champions League Spot, and with out Odemwingie, dare I say it, Premiership be afraid, be very afraid. W.B.A.= Were Back Again!
My pasture is still well green.
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can not believe this season so far, never been so proud of us.
what a great manager and staff we have, sign them up 4 life!!!
not gonna get carried away but i cant help it lol
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Fantastic result today,shakey start but going a goal down seemed to give
us the kick up the backside we needed, mulumbu had a fantastic game so did most of the team,a bit worrying when olsson went off injured but ibanez was a rock when he came on, yet again well done to players and coaching staff, proud to be a baggie.
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What a crackin game. Brunt was masterfull in midfield, likewise Thomas, it’s great to have two completely different threats for the opposition to deal with. Mulumbu of course deserved man of the match showing no quarter to Fulham in the middle of the park.
When Fulham did get past him and Scharner (who was also a star today) Shorey, Tamas, Olsson, Jara and Pablo towards the end swept any threat away. Fortune also had a decent game but it goes to show our strength at the moment when I say that his was our weakest position. That’s not a slight on Mark, it’s just testement to the team. Carson had a couple of shakey moments but he didn’t deserve the deflection and Gera deserves the goal for the shot.
Despite all this Mark Hughes begrudges us our win saying that BOTH goals were off side!
It seems that the London/North western brigade still refuse to accept we have a bit of quality this season.
They can see the results and look at the table but they still come walking into the Hawthorns sure they’ll take the points. And even when they leave battered and bruised and with sod all they still bleat on about how they were unjustly robbed. Long live delusion, arrogance and ignorance. The Prem is full of it. Lets hope our wake up call goes on and on.
Well done boys. Fantastic result and top four performance which deserved more goals. High flying Blackpool next, with a quality manager and a hard working group of lads who will be a masive test. They will not take us lightly and will attack tooth and nail. Good luck boys, this could be our biggest test to date.
Boing Boing
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Excellent all round performance today. Some of our football was a joy to watch. I turned to my mate and actually said to him “we are looking like a good premiership side” Thats the first time i have felt that in all our attempts to establish ourselves. RDM keep up the good work….boing boing
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Boing! Boing! Baggies! Baggies!
How long can this keep up? Its brilliant! It took us 10 minutes to get going today but when we did, we looked comfortable for rest of the game. Mulumbu is a beast in the middle who can now score! Brunt was instrumental and with two key players (Odemwingie and Dorrans)to come in, its looking bright for the Baggies!
To look at the table and see us
4th in the league is a credit to the players, management and the best fans in the world! It’s all down to us and long may it continue. Proud to be a baggie, as ever!
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Way to go Baggies. The game is getting ready to start on delay over here in DC. I know the result but I will enjoy every minute. Enjoy your stay in NY, Jeff. You know what they say, if you can boot up your computer there you can boot it up anywhere. Start spreading the news, The Baggies won again today, A #1, cream of the crop, top of the heap. Who knew Frank Sinatra was one of us! Boing Boing from DC.
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I cant remember a time since the good old Wile and Robertson days where we had so much ability allied with as much “snot” as we play with these days – every one puts a foot in when they need too and having as strong a second XI as the first one keeps everyone on their toes eg Ibanez looks quality every time he gets on the pitch, Dorrans cant get a look in but its making Morrison play out of his skin, Reid destroys every time he comes on but Malumbu woooooe Malumbu is just about everywhere on the pitch and totally undroppable at the moment. Great quality going forward but steel in critcal places.
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A: Watched the game from the Halfords, an altogether less raucous experience than the Smethwick.
Again, I felt we didn’t get started until 15 minutes in – but then we were a league above Fulham. Boing Boing!
PS. Anyone else REALLY REALLY ANNOYED by the video ads automatically starting now? I’ve been embarrassed at work a couple of times by sudden advert noise. :S
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SACK THICK MICK!
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So Hughes is unhappy, and think mayby both our goals were offside. Sparky, having played for Man.Utd, you should know better, that these close calls always goes in favor of the TOP teams :-) Danish Baggie
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Best league position since – 1978?
Great achievement given that the modern game is rigged to favour the top clubs.
Long may it continue.
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Great result for us. Fulham are a strong and good team and we did well against them in a very entertaining match. Gera’s goal was well taken and notably he held of celebrating which was nice. never thought we were going to loose though with the way we were playing.
Little bit narked with Hughes after the match saying the goals were offside. Do not think either was, but we did have a good call for a penalty as well. Some decisions go for you and some do not.
Tough match at Blackpool coming up after the Foxes. Great if wecan get three points at Bloomfield but it will be another tough one.
Boing Boing!
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Well done again baggies and from coming from behind. A spirited performance once we woke up midway through the 1st half. Unlucky for Englands No1 so don’t blame your self Scott.
I’m happy to see Fortune get off the mark and as I’ve maintained Jimmy Morrison is fast becoming our player of the season. Brunty has really come into his own and is adaptable form the wing to central role. Our midfield is one of the best on current form and our manager deserves his 2nd PL award for this month.
I’m so happy being a baggie
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1 Cyril.
I’m guessing you missed the ‘there were penalty appeals but replays showed the Irishman had touched the ball.’
This was in front of us and at the time I thought he touched the ball but after he had already brought Thomas down. MOTD replays showed Thomas was brought down and Kelly did NOT touch the ball. And MOTD are hardly known for their pro-Albion stance.
Likewise wasn’t it good to see Mark Hughes putting all of his Fergie training to good use.
All he talked about was how two clearly off-side goals had gone against them. Again MOTD looked at them.
Verdict. One too close to call, the other clearly on-side.
Just like Fergie and Steve Bruce they only ever see what in their eyes are decisions against them. He never mentioned any of the dodgy decisions in their favour yesterday.
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2 BCO.
I don’t think they’d have the nerve but a couple of points if they do.
1 We played against their full strength side.
2 Chelsea were on the back of a hard mid-week trip to Russia, where they played on a plastic pitch that is very hard on players not used to it. They looked a bit jaded.
Oh and one other thing. We went and tried to attack them.
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I would add Tamas as running Mulumbu close on the man of the match front. Having said that and I’m in danger becoming boring, it was another great team performance, there wasn’t a weak link.
The only one that disappointed me was Roman Bednar who seemed very sluggish by his own standards. I’m not having a go as I’ve always been a big fan of Roman and I’m sure he’ll come good. Perhaps it was just ring rust as he hasn’t played for a while.
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Does anybody know where the Baggie Birds have gone?
It was only when somebody mentioned it yesterday that I noticed they hadn’t been there all season. I’m not a big mascot fan but I’ve always found them quite amusing.
The thing is, I’m a superstious bloke when it comes to football and after the start we’ve made, I don’t really want them back now.
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Remember when we lost 6-0 to chelsea aye boing boing
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i hope we draw a spanish team in the champions league cud do with holiday and my mates got a villa near madrid aye boing boing
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sooner we clock up 40 odd points the better, anything after that is a bonus for the hard work, come on you baggies
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i cudent bring myself to boo an ex baggie who had scored the winner at the dings,i notice greening still struggling to beat the first bloke from a set piece,aye boing boing
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That’s got to be the best game that Mulumbu has played for us…. he has been an absolute revelation this season. Great team performance, bit concerned about Jara, he has been off the pace all season.
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Nice to see Mark Hughes was gracious in defeat.He was whining on about Albion’s goals being offside,and blamed the officials for Fulham losing the game.Not a word about their goal being lucky,bouncing in off Scott’s back,or the fact that Albion should have had a penalty,the defender didn’t reach the ball,but his contact on Thomas took him down.I guess it’s because Hughes learnt his management skills from his old boss,Sir Alex.He’s certainly picked up the same attitude.
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Just changing the subject,the advertising video at the start of these posts today automatically starts with footage of Wayne Rooney.Is anyone else sick to the back teeth of this waste of space? He’s faced allegations of a seedy private life,attacked England fans on live TV,openly criticised the club that employs him,let us all down at the World Cup,and played rubbish for months.Now Man U.,who are 800 million in debt,give him a new long term contract with a massive pay rise.Disgraceful.No wonder football’s in danger of destroying itself.Thankfully I can at least be proud of my own club.It’s great to be a Baggie.
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weem in a champions league postion,dings in championship league position aye boing boing
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Another magnificent display, I have to say I was more nervous about this match than I was before the United and Arsenal matches for the simple reason that this was a winable match.
I went to the game and the commitment from all the players was a a joy to see. The work off the ball and the way they closed down the Fulham players when we lost the ball was key in the victory.
On a negative note however, yet again we hear a losing opposition manager crisicising a referee rather than admit that we were better. Its getting more than a little irritating now. Especially when Mark Hughes in this instance is wrong in what he says. Contrary to his remarks, both goals were on-side under the laws of the game.
Added to that, we had a goal incorrectly disallowed for offside (Bednar) and a stonewall penalty not given. We had all the chances and the match stats will tell you that Fulham only had one shot on target, so I’m not sure which match Mark Hughes was watching!
We roll on, forget about talks of Champions League or Uropa League guys, all this is, is another 3 points closer to survival.
BOING BOING!!
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One thing I forgot to mention was the attitude of our ex-players, Gera and Greening. Espeacially Gera when he refused to celebrate his goal, nice to know how much respect he has for us even now he plays for another club.
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5. Well spotted Jack. Some quite ‘tasty’ tackles went in but the ref just had a word in the ear of the perpetrator. I think the Thomas foul was in fact a penalty as shown on TV, but the right result nontheless. First time Fulham have been beaten away. I don’t care much for the new offside rule, far too flexible, but it worked for us this time.
What I saw of the BBC highlights, Wolves did well against Chelsea and deserved a point. I stll think the best move for us regarding Roberto is to find him a place on the Board eventually. What he’s done up to yet is no fluke, regardless of how we finish up. We are a tolerant and observant set of supporters as shown by the dynamo in midfield given M.o’M. in spite of causing the first goal. Many would have wanted his guts for garters for that, but not us. We recognise what he brings to the team. There will be predators watching this transformation of our club, Brunt wanted by Liverpool for instance. I wished we had 40,000 capacity so we could lower prices and fill the ground when times are good like now.
Brilliant move to offer £10 and £5 seats for friends of STH. I got rid of my spare, then put ‘WANTED’ in front of my notice and a bloke offered his spare ticket to the other Romanian. Sign language does work you see !
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Just watched Liverpool scrape a win on MOTD2 and my verdict for Hanson and Lawrenson. They’re got a slim chance of avoiding relegation.
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TRBH
I got to three-parts of the way down the posts and thought about mentioning Tamas but you’ve already beat me to it. After Mulumbu, I thought he was magnificent, getting his foot in everywhere.
I thought Brunt had a super first half before fading a bit, Fulham were happy to sit making it difficult for us to open them up without super quick play or a touch of genius and Brunty’s non-stop running and pulling players about was what brought about our equaliser. Brunty non-stop running……who’d have said that 2 years ago??
Re: the Baggie birds, I read something from one of the local journalists who’d said it was something to do with their kits being out-dated and them waiting to get them some new ones. I could be wrong though.
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P.S. It’s great looking out for Manchester United and Arsenal’s results on a Sunday to see if we’ve dropped a place!!
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I like Brunt but £ 9 million ???.
Tamas was outstanding on Saturday he looked and played like a real top line defender.
Just wish we could start games better but all things considered another great win.
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I see the Chris Brunt/Liverpool rumour has appeared again today. What is it with Woy and the Albion? Can we not go to the Police and have a restraining order put on him as he appears to be stalking us?
On a more serious note. This is surely the biggest threat to us now. Success for a club like ours brings with it the inevitable follow-up of agents ably supported by the press trying to unsettle our players. No doubt as soon as a big club sack their manager the Press will also be putting RDM in the frame.
Thank God we have JP as Chairman. I really can’t think of anyone I’d rather have doing the job. If only he could win the Euro Lottery as well.
PS. Anyone know where all the moaners have gone?
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You can ‘feel’ the excitement building on here. When I posted my comment, it looked like No.6 after Jack’s one. It came up as No.37. Blimey !
I think Mark Hughes is worried because Woy Hodgson may be out of a job sooner rather than later. Hence the ‘we wuz robbed’ nonsense. They were lucky in that it was not a more resounding defeat.
Let’s hope we win at Leicester tomorrow night.
First time I’ve missed going there in years.
Finally, how can a club owe about £700million and still get away with spending even more on silly wages for a spoilt brat, then bid more money they haven’t got for Torres and others ?
Will the FA or FIFA ever make clubs balance their books before they all need an ‘Osborne’ type cut-back ?
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41 Wall Heath.
Don’t worry. If Woy is offering £9 mill JP will want £20 mill. (And probably get it.) £7 mill for Kamara LOL.
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WARREN
Waiting for new kits ?? we are not the Villa you know.lol.
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So we’re told we will struggle to hold on to Brunt,because he is wanted by premiership ‘giants’ Liverpool? Is this the same Liverpool who have been deep in debt,are playing absolute rubbish,and despite scraping a one goal win over struggling Blackburn,are still in the relegation zone? If they are seen as ‘giants’,by comparison Albion must currently be ‘Universal Superheroes’.
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lads were great on saturday well on course for 25 points before xmas (thats the target i believe you need to stay up)
unfourtunatly success brings its own problems
not only brunt but the word up here is RDM is
on Liverpools shortlist when Hodgeson gets the boot.
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No. 47 Burnley Baggie
Can’t see RDM wanting to go to Liverpool. They still have American owners with one object , making money for themselves and there’s no evidence yet that things will be different from the previous ownership. If he does leave us I think it will be to Chelsea when Ancelloti retires but that will be two or three years time so hopefully we can relax for now. The whole team played well on Saturday but I think reference must be made to Paul Scharner who now that he is match fit looks a real player. There a few niggles about Scott Carson again and he does look nervous at times. Playing in goal is the one position where every mistake is magnified . Look at the Arsenal keeper Fabianski who a few weeks ago was being ridiculed but all of a sudden he is the conquering hero. I think Scott’s problem is so good is the defence in front of him that he is probably surprised when he has anything to do.
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Woke up this morning feeling dead chuffed being three points clear of seventh place.
Sparky needs to learn the fundamental rules of the offside law.
I don’t think Chris brunt will be interested in a relegation fight by going to lowly Liverpool. £9M wouldn’t buy his left leg.
Roberto will want to finish what he has started at the HAWTHORNS, I’m sure.
Well lads, Bloomfield road next league stop. Hard fixture, but I fancy our boys will do the business and come home with the goodies.
BOING~~~~BOING~~~~JtH.
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I can’t see Brunty wanting to go to Liverpool tbh as he may never get a game, however there is no reason why he can’t get a wage rise here.
As I said I was looking fo us to get 22-23 points by Xmas so maybe looking at the fixtures we could get there by mid December.
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Another great result. Get in!!
But what is even more pleasing and what no-one has mentioned yet, is how our performance was a lot more consistent. So far this season we have played games of 2 halves. We have been brilliant in one half of a game but average in another. Yet in this game we had long spells of pressure and good football throughout the game.
What is still slightly concerning is we dont seem to start games well, again in the
first 10-15 mins we started slowly. And to be honest could & should have been 2-0 down. U would put money on Kamara scoring from that distance! And we again conceded first.
But hey, I suppose u cant play well throughout the whole 90 mins. But it was a good performance and we played well for 80% of the game. And could have had 2 goals in each half! Another day and it could have been 4-1.
As for Mark Hughes the bad loser, and his only comments on the game is how neither goal should have stood….. no mention on how we totally outplayed his side, should have had a penalty etc. Even the MOTD lot said both goals were valid. One was too close to call, which shows Mark Hughes was pathetically clutching at straws. And the other was clearly played to Thomas, who was ONSIDE! I bet he feels embarrassed now.
We mean business. Bring on Blackpool and the return of Odemwingie. P.S better find my passport out :) BOING BOING!!
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I think it’s “odds on” the BAGGIE-Birds have gone for a “Flutter”.
BOING~~~~BOING~~~~JtH.
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Hughes made no mention of the Bednar goal either. Clearly on-side but flagged off.
As I said before, Fergie, Hughes, Bruce, Alladyce only see the decisions that go against them. I thought the Bolton game was a breath of fresh air with RDM and Owen Coyle both giving a realistic assessment of the game. Very rare these days.
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