This was a good point given the circumstances and despite a brave and committed performance, it was always on the cards when you concede so much possession and try to ride out a result in the way we did here.
It took us an awful long time to get going, but once we calmed down and settled into the game, it was a really good contest and although I’m not quite sure we we worth a two goal lead, we definitely needed some luck and we got that with the own goal.
Then we were a little unlucky with Adel Taarabt hitting the bar and Dean Kiely pulling off a magnificent save from Wayne Routledge. Well, it was two magnificent saves actually as he tipped Adel’s onto the bar too.
I thought Kaspars Gorkss was immense at the back for us, but I was disappointed with the entire defence for the way they all closed down the same player for the equaliser in the dying moments. Four of them scrambled across to block the shot and left Simon Cox free for a simple tap in. It’s these crucial moments that you have to have your wits about you and understand what may happen in these moments.
I was pleased with the two central midfielders too. I thought Ben Watson and Mikele Leigertwood did a decent job in there against a good West Brom side and made it difficult for them. They picked up good positions and competed well and that’s what we need. At the moment, from one game to the next, we’re winning or losing those battles and not just individually, as a unit.
I’m not quite sure however that I like seeing Jay Simpson on the wing, especially as he has been banging the goals in when he’s been up front. I know he can play there, but it seems silly to take away our goal threat for the sake of trying to be a bit more compact and defensive. Sure, we were a little more disciplined in this match and needed to be, but we still conceded twice.
Overall though it was a brave display and one to be proud of given the situation we found ourselves in. Hats off to Steve Gallen and Marc Bircham who were thrown into a pretty difficult situation. They did themselves and the club proud and hopefully we can kick on again. Good performance and a good point.
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