Leicester 1, West Brom 2: Chris Lepkowski's big match verdict
Nov 9 2009 by Christopher Lepkowski, Birmingham Mail
Di Matteo was spot on, Jara is worthy of playing at Premier League level. The fact he looks accomplished in a variety of positions is all the more impressive.
Alongside him, Dorrans continues to impress. It’s becoming the norm for the Scotland international to produce performances which prompt praise.
Saturday was no different. He gives drive to the team and, like Jara, isn’t conservative with his distribution. Long passes, short passes and a tendency to try the adventurous mark him out as one to watch.
His goal was a little lucky, perhaps. The low free-kick skimmed past a series of feet but still managed to confuse Weale, with the ball sneaking in at the far post.
Elsewhere, there were performances that would have encouraged Di Matteo. Full-backs Gianni Zuiverloon and Joe Mattock have perhaps been two of the weaker performers in recent times. It’s not a major criticism – both are getting to grips with this league and, in Mattock’s case, with new expectations and surroundings.
On Saturday both produced their best games of the campaign. Zuiverloon was forceful in attack, as he generally is, but also strong and uncompromising defensively. Twice, he came to his side’s rescue with well-executed challenges – a moment too late would have resulted in penalties.
Mattock was given the usual stick by fans from a former club. He responded by making them look somewhat foolish with an accomplished, mature display. We mustn’t forget that Mattock, aged 19, is still a youngster and learning quickly.
He was comfortable on the ball and strong defensively. He can look back on his first return to the Walkers Stadium with some pride. It was his best Albion performance yet.
Overall, perhaps it’s not only what’s on the pitch that’s important but also the pedigree of those sat behind the manager. Albion’s bench was impressive – six internationals and Filipe Teixeira, who has shown signs of being back on form in recent weeks. That, in itself, underlines Albion’s strength.
Di Matteo still talks about injuries to Ishmael Miller and James Morrison but when you see Youssouf Mulumbu joining Roman Bednar and Robert Koren warming up, then you know that things aren’t as bad as you think. The talent on the bench would be the envy of most Championship managers. And the quality within those 18 or so players will be key to Albion when they prepare for the key winter period in a little under two weeks’ time.
The Baggies, in second spot, have a four-point advantage over third-placed Cardiff City. It’s time for Di Matteo’s men to start extending that gap.
