James Morrison: Why those battling West Brom 1-0s can be better than free-flowing displays

Heartened Albion boss James Morrison admits spirited 1-0 victories are even more pleasing than free-flowing displays of eye-catching football.

The Baggies continued their fine start to the new campaign with a hard-working victory over Watford, courtesy of Jimmy-Jay Morgan’s first half winner, before The Hawthorns hosts were made to defend until the death.

It was a first clean sheet in seven games in all competitions and made it 10 points from a possible 15 to start the league campaign.

The decibel levels cranked up inside The Hawthorns as substitute Jayson Molumby jostled with riled-up away players seconds before full-time and the popular Albion midfielder cheered the Smethwick End.

"It was certainly a different game we've been used to seeing and credit to Watford for causing us problems with the way we moved the ball,” Morrison said.

"But we answered some questions of getting a clean sheet.

"I saw a team there fighting for each other, which is pleasing that we showed a different side today.”

The head coach was proud his side answered some questions of them. He added: “I was (heartened), sometimes those 1-0s when you don't play very well, you find are more pleasing than the football we've been playing.

"We answered a lot of questions. You'd asked me if we can see the games out, so it was pleasing for the lads and there should be confidence from that."

Morrison has mixed feelings with some bright spells of attacking football and some sloppiness that encouraged Watford as the clash wore on.

"It was very pleasing to see, we protected each other on the pitch,” he added. “I saw a team out there. We caused ourselves problems in the first half by giving the ball away and they broke. That's what they've shown in previous games.

"We gave it away in the first five minutes and they had a big chance.

"There were spells we were really good again, the connection on the left side and with new players coming into the team.

"I did that to try to get some energy in the team in a third game in a week. I don't want an imbalance in the squad where the majority have played and others haven't. It'll benefit us in the long run.”