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

Sep 28 2009 by Christopher Lepkowski, Birmingham Mail

JUST like the infuriating sage who pinches the last remaining parking spot, Neil Warnock’s timing remains impeccably annoying when it comes to Albion.

B71’s very own pantomime villain reflected on Albion’s downfall with a smugness not seen since, well, the last time he brought a team to The Hawthorns.

On that occasion he blotted out Jonathan Greening in a way no-one had managed before by man-marking him. The time before that, his Sheffield United side produced one of the best performances seen by an away side at The Hawthorns for many years at this level.

This time he simply stopped Albion. There were no frills, no fuss.

The Baggies’ Riverside swagger was brought to an end with the brutal abruptness of a Georges Santos tackle (remember him Neil?).

Roberto Di Matteo’s team did clock in for the shift but that was about it.

And it came at a time when everyone had just started to talk about the longest-ever unbeaten start to a season.

A bad day wasn’t Albion’s exclusive domain – just ask Chelsea. Clearly the footballing gods had a downer on Italian managers on Saturday.

Albion’s pace merchants and creative custodians were sat in the stand or on the bench. It’s not often an Albion side are so devoid of ideas. But credit must go to Warnock. Beaming from ear to ear and dripping with glee, the Crystal Palace manager had every right to be pleased with himself.

His Palace side stifled Albion and got a win through Alassane N’Diaye, who might have claimed an assist from his own hand just before he scored. It’s irrelevant if the referee doesn’t see it.

The Eagles had clearly revised. Gianni Zuiverloon was so ineffective against Victor Moses that he moved into midfield and Gonzalo Jara dropped back. It made little difference.