West Brom boss Sam Allardyce: We should have won against Fulham
Sam Allardyce highlighted defensive frailties as the cause of Albion’s undoing after a spirited fightback saw them go agonisingly close to landing a crucial three points against Fulham at The Hawthorns.
The Albion boss made tactical changes both midway through the first half and at the interval after Fulham dominated the opening period, and the Baggies responded by coming from behind to lead, only to be denied by Ivan Cavaleiro’s late equaliser.
“We should have won it,” said the Baggies’ head coach.
“Fulham had been the better side in the first half so we had to change the way we were playing, both during the first half and then at half time.
“And then when you go out and dominate for the first 25 to 30 minutes of the second half, and get 2-1 up, that should be the end of it.
“But then our defensive frailties let us down again.
“We cannot expect to score three goals every time to win a game, and it is a huge disappointment not to see it out when we were 2-1 up.
“It is also a disappointment because it had been such a good and spirited fightback by the players.
“They showed a determination and willingness to drive themselves forward and get back in the game, and got the two goals.
“Unfortunately it has still only ended up as a draw, which is probably what neither us or Fulham would have wanted.”
What then was it that changed so dramatically between the first half and the second?
“Simplify” replied Allardyce.
“Just like Philip Schofield says on The Cube.
“We had to simplify our game, getting the ball down and passing it but then getting it out wide or in behind their full backs and putting some crosses in the box.
“I have never seen Matheus Pereira get as much of the ball as he did in the second half, because we simplified the game and got players into their box and caused them problems.”
The half time introduction of new signing Mbaye Diagne also played a part in improving Albion’s performance, fresh from only arriving at 8pm on Friday.
“He arrived last night and sent us a text with a few emoji’s on it,” said Allardyce.
“He did well, and I think he will be a good signing for us, and I just have to say thank you to him for coming here from a club like Galatasaray.
“We have searched and searched and searched and haven’t been able to loan anyone until he agreed to come and I have massive respect to him for that.”
Allardyce also revealed he would still like two more fresh faces at the club before the transfer window closes on Monday, although any arrivals are not expected to include Arsenal’s Ainsley Maitland-Niles.
“It has to be two more if we can,” said the boss.
“I would love it to be Ainsley Maitland-Niles but I don’t think that will be the case, but we need another quality player or two if we can before the window closes on Monday.”
