Tottenham 1, West Brom 0: Chris Lepkowski's big match verdict

May 4 2009 by Christopher Lepkowski, Birmingham Mail

THERE is a bright side to relegation.

No more engineering works on the transport network, no need to keep your head down in one of London’s worst suburbs, no more being stuck in traffic on the North Circular.

Until, perhaps, the Millwall game, should it happen. But let’s not worry about that just yet.

Goodbye Premier League, hello Championship.

I don’t wish to be rude to Spurs – a fine footballing club with an impressive pedigree – but this pocket of north London is as welcoming as a free trip to Mexico.

No matter how well they play Albion haven’t won there for 25 years and that was not about to change on Saturday.

It might have been easier to stomach had Albion suffered a Stadium of Light-style capitulation at White Hart Lane.

But, no. They maintained their dignity. They fought, played well and generally impressed everyone. Judging by the fine Anglo Saxon from the Spurs bench, Albion had the home side rattled.

Jermaine Jenas scored. You’ll know that already. The midfield didn’t really close him down and his shot squirmed through.

So what of Albion? Well, they dominated for long periods but, unlike recent games, they just couldn’t stick the ball away.