Leicester 1, West Brom 2: Chris Lepkowski's big match verdict

Nov 9 2009 by Christopher Lepkowski, Birmingham Mail

PERHAPS the only negative aspect of Albion’s win at Leicester is the fact that Roberto Di Matteo’s men have to wait another 12 days before they return to action.

They will be bursting to play tonight, tomorrow night or the day after.

The Baggies’ victory against the Foxes was, in some ways, as important as the win at Middlesbrough. It underlined qualities within the team which will be vital to success.

Leicester City are a force in this division. They are well organised, they have some talented individuals and are extremely disciplined in their approach.

Manager Nigel Pearson, hardly one for dishing out niceties about his former club or indeed anyone, couldn’t help but be complimentary about Albion. And it was justified.

The Baggies were flush with imagination, application and invention. Graham Dorrans opened the scoring, Gonzalo Jara added a second before Bruno Berner pulled one back late on.

Tony Spearing, a name many Albion fans will be unfamiliar with, must take his share of the praise.

Albion’s head of European scouting went to watch the Toulon tournament 18 months ago and came back with plenty of ticks and a few crosses about a young Chilean.

Somehow, Jara wasn’t noticed by other clubs.

He is the kind of player who captures the imagination of supporters and observers. He has ability in abundance, as seen with the excellent execution of his first goal for the club – a long-range shot which, judging by goalkeeper Chris Weale’s reaction, had a hint of spin on it.

Yet Jara is more than just a talented footballer. His on-field demeanour is that of a local lad playing in a derby against the club he dislikes. Every challenge is executed with passion and a full heart. He has a Latin American feistiness which will win him many friends among Albion’s support, perhaps less so among the division’s referees.

Comfortable with the ball at both feet, intelligent with his distribution and, crucially, unpredictable with the final ball, he doesn’t always choose the obvious option and that maverick streak will unsettle and confuse defenders at this level.

If only he was a few inches taller – but then, if he was, it’s doubtful he’d be at Albion.