Tony Pulis: Albion haven't been that bad

West Brom boss Tony Pulis today insisted his side haven't performed as poorly since Christmas as has been made out.

The Baggies were excellent in the first-half of Saturday's 3-2 victory over Crystal Palace but the attacking intent came as a shock to many after weeks of insipid defensive displays.

Albion failed to register a shot on target in league games against Southampton, Aston Villa, and Newcastle, and they struggled in the FA Cup against lower league opposition, Bristol City, Peterborough and Reading.

But Pulis reckons the performances haven't been as poor as some fans and pundits suggested, and said team morale was healthy.

"Morale hasn't been that bad to be honest," he said.

"Before Saturday's game the 10 games we had played prior to that we were actually sixth in the table for points gained.

"It's just perception at times, and people can put whatever slant they want on it.

"That was back to back victories, we've done well at home since Boxing Day.

"We've won games that we shouldn't have won and a got great result against Everton as well.

"It's not as bad as what people have made it out to be but you get on with it."

Back-to-back wins in the league have shot Albion up to 35 points, and put them 11 points clear of the relegation zone.

The entertaining nature of Saturday's win was crucial for the disgruntled fans, but Pulis shrugged off suggestions it was more important than others.

"Every win is important," he said. "We've still got 11 games to go.

"The next win will be important and the win after that will be important.

"When you get to the 40 points then you can take a bit of a breath but up until then it's waiting until you get to those points."

Albion travel to league-leaders Leicester tomorrow, hoping to gain revenge for the 3-2 defeat at The Hawthorns earlier this season.

Like most of the country, Pulis is rooting for the Foxes in the run-in for the title.

"It would be fantastic if Leicester could do it, they've been a breath of fresh air really this year," he said.

"It's been wonderful. The way they've gone about it, the way they've done it has been fantastic."

Leicester beat Norwich 1-0 on Saturday thanks to a late Leonardo Ulloa goal but the Canaries frustrated Claudio Ranieri's team for the majority of the game.

"We'll do what we do," said Pulis. "I think Norwich played with five at the back but we won't change.

"We'll stick to what we've done all season.

"It was a good performance Saturday, specifically first half.

"We just hope we can get a performance out of them, we know how tough it's going to be.

"Leicester are there with only 11 games to go, they haven't fluked it so they've got something about them."

Pulis is well aware of the threat the Foxes pose after Jamie Vardy's clinical breakaway goal won Leicester the game at The Hawthorns.

"They're a very good counter-attacking team," said the Baggies boss.

"You're at your most vulnerable when you've got the ball taking the game to them because they've got great pace.

"They've really played exceptionally well this year.

"I'm sure if you speak to Ranieri and the other coaching staff they'll say that it's not been a pair of individuals that have made this happen, it's been the whole group."