Albion show signs of maturing into a Premier League presence
Sep 13 2010 by Christopher Lepkowski, Birmingham Mail
FINALLY, it seems to have happened.
Albion, perhaps for the first time, look like they actually belong in the Premier League.
We’ve seen sporadic spells over the years, one-off performances and bursts of enthusiasm.
But, now, you do get a sense of belonging when it comes to Albion’s top-flight existence.
Before it had been regarded, in a somewhat patronising way, as an ‘adventure’, where a photographer may be sent to snap the players boarding a coach for their trip to Old Trafford.
Not any more.
The Baggies are maturing.
And on Saturday they produced a performance which combined the attacking hallmarks of a Tony Mowbray side – watching from the stand – with the defensive nous and physicality instilled by Roberto Di Matteo, who is fast underlining his own credentials as a top-flight boss.
The Italian would probably be the first to concede that the opening half wasn’t what it should have been. Albion, playing with five midfielders, failed to function cohesively. Chris Brunt, who never really looks comfortable in the centre of midfield, had more scope to create once he was shunted out to the wing after the break.
Before the interval, Gonzalo Jara was left exposed by Peter Odemwingie’s forays down the right flank. It meant Gareth Bale was effectively given the freedom of the left wing during a period when Spurs should have been more clinical for all their dominance down that side.
It would be easy to be critical of Di Matteo for getting the first-half formation wrong but it would be remiss to not mention Tottenham’s quality and the fact that the Italian was forced to twist a new midfield into shape due to Graham Dorrans being given as late as possible to declare his availability following a family bereavement.
