West Brom 3, Wigan 1: Chris Lepkowski's big match verdict
Fortuné could have restored Albion’s lead in the 41st minute when he raced on to Brunt’s lay-off, only to see his angled shot kept out by Kingson.
The Wigan man had already brilliantly kept out a Juan-Carlos Menseguez effort.
After the break Kiely was quick to react as Mario Melchiot raced into space from Rodallega’s pass.
The ex-Blues right-back smashed a low shot, but Kiely dived low to palm it away – a 38-year-old he may be, but with the agility of a man half his age.
Clearly this was a day for goalkeepers. Kingson denied Jonathan Greening as the Albion man powered – yes, powered – away from Melchiot in what was surely the most sluggish sprint race of all time. Greening’s shot was heading for goal until Kingson stuck his hand out.
But Albion were not to be denied when Fortuné was brought down by Titus Bramble. Brunt’s spot-kick was kept out, but the Northern Ireland man followed up to smash home his fifth goal in five games.
Fortuné made certain of victory late on.
The Baggies owed their win to Kiely. The defence, Zuiverloon apart, were poor for most of the game and struggled with Wigan’s pace and movement. Latics boss Steve Bruce has built a powerful, athletic side who really should have punished their hosts during the first half. After the break Albion improved. Borja Valero, so maligned this season, was back in the side due to Robert Koren’s injury. It was his best performance in an Albion shirt so far. His passing was better, but so was his work-rate.
Too often he’s been accused of lacking impact or not taking responsibility, but on Saturday Borja started to show what he is capable of.
He chased back to win balls and showed commitment with his challenges.
Brunt, in particular, has come to life lately. Playing on the right wing, he has been the main beneficiary of Fortuné’s presence and ability to hold the ball up before dishing it out.
Menseguez too was lively, although his inexperience occasionally led him down cul-de-sacs when other options were available.
Even so, it would be harsh to be critical of the talented South American.
Albion still remain underdogs in all of this, however.
They need Newcastle and Middlesbrough to share the points tonight, and for former boss Gary Megson to help them in Bolton’s game against Hull this Saturday, while hoping the North-East duo also slip up.
Albion have given themselves hope. It’s just so unfortunate that three or four more points would have made a massive difference.
As it is, they are still hoping for help from others.
Impossible? No. But if Albion do stay up it will be lauded even more than 2004/05 – you can be sure of that.
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