We got what we deserved, says West Brom boss Slaven Bilic
Albion chief Slaven Bilic has expressed his disappointment with only picking up a point at Barnsley – but admits the hosts deserved their late leveller.
The Baggies took the lead early on at Oakwell, with Filip Krovinovic opening his account for the club in the fifth minute.
The struggling Tykes made it 1-1 at the death, though, as Aapo Halme poked the ball home from a few yards out.
That came following a string of strong saves from Albion keeper Sam Johnstone, and Bilic said: "Of course, we're disappointed – conceding at the time we conceded the goal.
"We were close to finishing the game with three points but, to be fair, Barnsley deserved it.
"They ran. They didn't create a lot in the second half, but they were there. A lot of times in the first half and the second half, they pressed well.
"We were rushing things. You’re expecting us to create more chances. We were rushing, we were offside too many times when it wasn’t necessary.
"It’s a big disappointment. We knew it was going to be hard because they’ve recently got a really good record and are playing really good football, especially at home.
"When we conceded, we were disappointed but, to be fair, they deserved it."
When Krovinovic punished a mistake from Sami Radlinger, it was fair to expect Albion to kick on and get more goals.
But Radlinger was not called into serious action after his error.
"I expected us to be more clinical and score more goals because we started the game great," said Bilic.
"It’s a very difficult place to come, the pitch was difficult, the opponents – I like them, every five minutes they create something. Well done to them."
The positives for Albion are that they remain top of the Championship and, although having picked up a second 1-1 draw in a row, are 14 unbeaten – their longest run since 1901/02.
"We’re never happy with a point, but we have to take it," added Bilic.
"It is what it is. Are we happy? No, we’re not happy, but a point is a point."
Bilic also revealed that Kyle Bartley (ankle) and Grady Diangana (back) are close to returning, but Middlesbrough on Sunday may come too soon.
Nathan Ferguson, meanwhile, missed the Barnsley game with a knock picked up against Brentford last weekend.
Jonathan Leko – who had been on loan at Charlton – has damaged the anterior cruciate ligament in his knee and is set for a long spell out.
