West Brom 5, Watford 0: Andy Walker's big match verdict

Nov 2 2009 by Andy Walker, Birmingham Mail

BEFORE kick-off, Simon Cox received a hearty cheer while Luke Moore was met with an undercurrent of jeers.

But by the final whistle, the Hawthorns faithful were cheering the pair in unison.

The strike department had started to become a major area of concern for Roberto Di Matteo – after all, seven games had passed without one of his flock of forwards scoring.

The search to bring in a goal-getter on loan may continue but at least on Saturday Di Matteo saw signs that he does possess a potentially fruitful strike partnership.

To a certain extent, both Cox and Moore were on trial.

Cox’s lack of involvement since arriving at the club had seen question marks start to appear over his ability at this level, it was time for him to deliver.

As it was for Moore, who was surely on borrowed time having ran out of last chances during a series of lethargic performances.

Fortunately for Albion, both delivered on Saturday.

The pair linked up superbly all afternoon – as they had done during pre-season – and, more importantly, both got themselves on the scoresheet.

Cox showed that he’s more than just a goal-scorer. He’s an intelligent footballer, a selfless player who never stops working for the team.

The frustrating thing about Moore is that everyone knows that there’s a top Championship, possibly Premier League, striker inside and on Saturday that player turned up.

On another day, the derogatory ‘lazy’ chants that met ex-Albion striker Nathan Ellington, while he warmed up for Watford, could have easily been directed at Moore.

Yet against the Hornets, Moore was up for it.

He was a pest in and around the box, earned a penalty and could have had another had he not gone down a fraction early under the challenge of goalkeeper Scott Loach.

However, Saturday’s thoroughly convincing win against a Watford side that gave their opponents far too much time, space and respect, was about more than just Cox and Moore. When Gianni Zuiverloon fired home Albion’s fourth, he became the 14th different Baggies player to score this season.

Solid proof that the promotion-chasers have goals in all departments, perhaps Di Matteo was right to hit back at the criticism that has come his side’s way in recent weeks.

Lessons still need to be learned after this 5-0 victory, their second of the season.