Tony Mowbray: West Brom need to get back to basics
Dec 15 2008 by Christopher Lepkowski, Birmingham Mail
TONY Mowbray called for a return to basics after Albion suffered their worst defeat of the season.
Although the Baggies had already lost to Manchester United by the same scoreline, the defeat to Sunderland, who were in the bottom three at the start of play, was without doubt the most demoralising of the campaign.
Mowbray was relatively diplomatic with his answers after the game, but was obviously seething after seeing his side’s first-half horror show, when they conceded three times in an 18-minute spell.
He said: “It was a tough afternoon. I can’t complain about anything to be honest.
“We didn’t compete well enough in the first half and if anything it epitomised our season.
“For 20 minutes we looked fine and comfortable but then found ourselves two-nil down.
“We didn’t defend our box well enough and the first time they asked questions we conceded goals.
“I can’t talk about cutting edge because we conceded four goals. We must put this behind us now.
“We have to get back to basic things really and start competing. We competed better in the second half.”
Albion take on Manchester City this Sunday before travelling to Chelsea and then hosting Spurs over the Christmas period.
