West Brom 3, Derby 1: Chris Lepkowski's big match verdict
Mar 1 2010 by Christopher Lepkowski, Birmingham Mail
What is clear is that the chemistry between team and fans must be channelled in the correct manner. Pressure and expectation is usually Newcastle’s domain. Football’s seminal crisis club have yet to implode and probably won’t on this occasion. They have a decent points gap to not worry too much, even if they lose a couple.
Nottingham Forest are playing without the same pressure or fear of their rivals. They weren’t expecting to be up there so comfortably.
Albion are potentially the most vulnerable. Obvious as it sounds, all factions need to kiss and make up.
It was unfortunate the Olsson incident dominates this match report when the manner of Albion’s victory should be lauded.
A first half which was low on quality improved after the break, albeit against Albion. Di Matteo’s men fell behind to a 49th-minute goal. Robbie Savage curled the ball into the box for Paul Green. As Albion’s backline failed to clear the danger, the ball broke for Chris Porter who slid home from ten yards.
The equaliser came in the 67th minute. James Morrison and Simon Cox had already replaced Robert Koren and Luke Moore. Morrison injected some invention, while Cox’s movement and anticipation outweighed Moore’s lack of either. The move paid off. Cox sent over a lofted pass for Chris Brunt, who collected the ball, held off two defenders and drilled in a low shot.
The goal sucked the life out of Derby and inspired Albion. The second goal came from Brunt. Graham Dorrans’ corner created mayhem in Derby’s six-yard box and Brunt was in the right place to prod home after Cox’s effort was kept out.
Cox wrapped up the game when he collected Morrison’s chipped pass. The striker tucked his low shot underneath Stephen Bywater to ensure the win.
It wasn’t a comprehensive victory. The right side of Albion’s defence struggled, especially with Gabriel Tamas playing out of position. And Albion took a while to find cohesion or movement.
Cox’s introduction was crucial, with Ben Watson giving the midfield some belief against the uncompromising Savage and Co. The Baggies could easily have come unstuck against Derby, not least after the character-testing first goal.
Elsewhere, the message to Joe Mattock and Gianni Zuiverloon was clear: shape up or miss out on a first-team place.
The Baggies rose to the occasion and responded to a damaging FA Cup exit.
This Saturday could be Neil Warnock’s first game in charge at QPR.
Warnock – now there’s a proper panto villain.
