The Tesco Carrier Bags

1 October 2012
Last updated at 10:15 GMT


Juan Mata has called for Chelsea to change their ways as they currently sit 19th in the Premier League having only won one game from five so far this term.

Their latest loss was against West Ham who put three past them at Stamford Bridge this weekend and Mata does not want to see his side fall to their 5th loss of the season when they play West Brom this weekend.

'We can't have the same things continue to happen. We are too go too be at the bottom of the league, fighting to stay in it. It is not good enough for a team like Chelsea.'

'I am not sure exactly of the problem but things must change. I wouldn't even blame the manager, we go out there and put in a performance on the pitch we are just not living up to expectations.'

Mata who himself is enjoying a good season in a Chelsea shirt has said that individual performances count for nothing unless they can get out of the mess they are in before it is too late.

'We must work hard to get out of the mess. It is nice on a personal level to have these great performances and be scoring but when it doesn't aid the team it means nothing.'

'West Brom will come here looking to win and we will have to counter that and do our best to work to our strenght and beat their weaknesses.'

Another decent update with the capital one page! unlucky against United but it is expected at the moment, Lol at Chelsea though!

Published
16.05 4th October 2012

Baggies captain, Chris Brunt, knows that now is the best time to play Chelsea and that they must seize the opportunity to win in London.

Brunt will be egar to put the record straight following the loss at Manchester United and show that they are not the pushovers that they used to be against the top sides in the league.

'Everybody knows that last week was a poor performance and we were lucky to only lose by the two goals really. We want to make amends against Chelsea.'

'They will see us as a chance to get back to winning ways but we do not want to make it easy for them, in fact we really feel that this is a game we can win.'

'We can put ourselves on the map and let everyone see what we are about as we are on the TV too. The players are really up for it and I think that we will suprise one or two people.'

Brunt himself is delighted with the team performance but wants to pick up his own as he feels he can play a lot better.

'I have not really been 100% for the whole season, still feeling the effect of an injury. I have told the gaffer I want to play though and it is up to me to stay in the team.'

'My performance levels have not been what I would usually say is acceptable for me so I need to start to change that around a little now and pick up, hopefully getting a few goals.'

Cheers buddy, much more to come tonight, well maybe not so much. Look at the time, never realised how late it was getting!

6 October 2012
Last updated at 14:13 GMT


Chelsea fell to another defeat this afternoon, their fifth defeat of the season as West Brom come from behind to beat the 10 men left standing on the pitch by two goals to one.

The Baggies were looking to bounce straight back from defeat at Old Trafford to surprise struggling package, Chelsea, who were looking for only their second win in the league this season.

The away team though started slowly as they seemed to try to hard to break down a nervous Chelsea side, with fans already on their backs. West Brom trying to take advantage of this fact could not get near enough to Cech to test him however.

Chelsea were the first team to have a chance, Ramires breaking from his own half to unleash a shot from all of 35 yards however it went high and wide finishing up within the Chelsea fans behind the goal.

It was then the turn of Mata as he saw a free-kick superbly tipped away by Gordon, managing to get his hand up to turn the ball around the post with just his finger tips.

By this time Chelsea were getting closer to opening the scoring and West Brom could hold out no longer as Jovetic was able to get onto a cross by Lampard to superbly volley home from close range, the away side unable to do anything about it.

However just 5 minutes later a moment of madness from Mata saw him see red as he slid in dangerously from behind on Mulumbu in the West Brom midfield. The two had been at each other all game but there was no complaints from anyone as the Chelsea player was forced to leave the field.

Karl Robinson made two changes at half time that proved to be inspired ones. Morrison on for injured Gera only taken off as a precaution and Odemwingie on for Austin who was not having a good game up top.

Whatever was said at half time also had the desired effect as West Brom started to play the ball around just as they had done in the opening games of the season. As the belief came back so did the chances and eventually on 61 minutes Peter Odemwingie was able to celebrate his first of the season in the league.

It was superb passing play from the West Brom midfield and after finding Shane Long the striker played a cheeky back heel flick to his strike partner who fired past Cech sending him the wrong way.

West Brom continued to press though could have gone 2-1 down themselves as Torres came close to opening his account for the season, only to see his shot saved by a combination of keeper and post.

Though this day was to belong to the underdog as Ryan Bennett was on hand to tap home from close range following a knocked down header by Olsson from a corner. Bennett wheeled away in jubilation as he celebrated in front of the away fans.

It can now only be a matter of time before Di Matteo is to see the door on his Chelsea managerial career, having just months ago lifted the Champions League with them.



Roberto Di Matteo Said: 'We have given them the game today. We were cruising to victory and a goal up going into half time and then Juan has seen red for an abysmal tackle.'

'From then we were there for the taking, we just handed them the game and let them play the ball about and play their normal game.'

'Had we of been in form then we would have hung on but when you have been losing the whole style of the game changes as you feel inside you, that you will lose.'

Karl Robinson Said: 'We were handed a little bit of luck today with Chelsea going down to 10, however we still had a lot to do being 1-0 down at the time.'

'My players have shown fabulous resolve and I am delighted to be their boss. Many teams away at such clubs as this will just give up and roll over but we didn't'

'I always back the lads to do well and I will always say we are not out of anything till the final whistle which proved today with a turn around just 10 minutes to go.'

Chelsea Line Up: Cech, Azilicueta, Cahill (Sub Luiz 73 mins), Terry, Cole, Lampard, Ramires (Sub Marin 81 mins), Oscar, Mata (off 37 mins), Hazard (Sub Torres 61 mins), Jovetic

Unused Substitutes: Randolph, Sturridge, Romeu, Kelly

West Brom Line Up: Gordon, Blind, Olsson, Bennett, Popov, Dorrans, Brunt (Sub Yacob 72 mins), Mulumbu, Gera (Sub Morrison 45 mins), Austin (Sub Odemwingie 45 mins), Long

Unused Substitutes: Daniels, McAuley, Ridgewell, McClean

12 October 2012
Last updated at 17:15 GMT


Karl Robinson hopes that the international break will not provide a hindrance for his West Brom side and above all hopes that all his players arrive back in the Midlands injury free.

The Baggies manager operates with a relatively small squad compared to most in the league though says that is his choice. 'I prefer a smaller squad because it is much easier to work with.'

'Though of course when the international breaks come around and your players go off to play with their national sides you do have to cross your fingers a little bit. If any of them come back injured it can be a disaster for us.'

Though whilst Robinson may be a little worried about losing key players for Premier League games, he does understand the players want to play in them.

'They are playing for their Countries, you can't stop them doing that. You can question the timing of the games at times but I would never question my players on going to play in these games.'

'Sometimes I think managers get too heated about this subject, obviously when your player comes back injured you will do but you will never change the international regime.'

Graham Dorrans who has been in fine form this season has been left out of the Scotland squad however, a move that has perplexed his club manager.

'Graham has been superb, really putting himself about and getting stuck in. He was brilliant in our last game against Chelsea and I am shocked he has been overlooked.'

Decent win over Chelsea! However the stats looks like they may of had the greater game but if you find the net more thats fine! top result pal

They had the better game till Mata got sent off. However as you say goals win games so I don't care how it happens.




15 October 2012
Last updated at 17:15 GMT


James Morrison has picked up a torn hamstring on international duty, leaving Karl Robinson with a dilemma that he only spoke days about not wanting to have.

'Perhaps some will call it sods law.' The Baggies manager tried to joke as he spoke out about the extent of the injury to one of his stand out players.

'It is a bad one and will probably see him out till after Christmas, it certainly wont be much before that if he does return quicker.'

'He has picked up a torn hamstring stretching to much for the ball, it can happen to anyone but typically it has happened to us when we didn't want it too.'

'It is what it is and we will have to get by without him for now, it makes it harder but hopefully some of the younger players can come in and do the business for us.'

17 October 2012
Last updated at 13:35 GMT


Sam Allardyce is aware of the task at hand as he brings his Hammers to take on West Brom this weekend at the Hawthorns in what will be a fantastic game.

West Ham can go within a three points of their hosts with a win and Allardyce believes that his squad has what it takes. 'We have had some good wins over the likes of Chelsea and Everton this season already.'

'West Brom are flying at the moment and we are aware of that though we believe we have what it takes to beat them. If we do it will definitely be an upset, they are the favourites.'

'We have a good squad here and we will give it our all. The key will be to match their tempo, we have had them watched and they like to knock the ball around quickly and get it in behind the defence for Long to stretch his legs.'

'We are going to have to be smart and counteract that. We can play at pace too, so all in all it should be a great game for the neutral to watch.'

19 October 2012
Last updated at 13:35 GMT


Peter Odemwingie could make his first start of the season after impressing in his last outing against Chelsea when West Brom take on West Ham, hinted Karl Robinson.

'Peter has been really patient this season so far but worked really this week when coming back from international duty and has given me a bit of a headache. I may well reward him with a start.'

'He knows though that he has to work hard to stay there if he wants to be in the team regularly, I am sure that he will be able to do that too.'

Jerome Thomas has returned from injury and is able to take a place on the bench though is far from ready for first team football yet.

'Jerome has worked hard with the reserves and has been back for around three weeks now, his return could not have come at a better time with Morrison getting injured this week.'

20 October 2012
Last updated at 17:13 GMT


Peter Odemwingie scored as his side won once more, this time a 2-1 victory over West Ham. The win enough to keep West Brom joint top with Manchester City.

Roy Hodgson returned to watch West Brom play West Ham, though the England manager was there on strictly business keeping his eye on young central defender, Ryan Bennett who put in a marvellous display.

Bennett was on hand a number of times to prevent Andy Carroll in the air, which is no mean feat and he will have done his chance of an international call up no harm at all.

West Brom actually met their match in this game and were given perhaps their toughest game so far at home this season, West Ham pushing hard to beat their hosts.

Though it would be an action packed 10 minutes in the first half that would decide the outcome of the game. West Brom were first to hit with in the first 15 minutes of the match. It was Odemwingie who put the ball away.

Robinson had made it public that he would be making his first start of the season and he showed his manager exactly what he could do. Shane Long with the through ball and a fantastic finish from just inside the area low and hard to the keepers right was enough to put them in the lead.

West Brom could have perhaps gone two up, this time McClean given time and space on the left wing to cut in and fire at goal. The shot looked destined for the net but the curl on the ball was always taking it away from the far post.

The Hammers would make their host pay for missing that chance as the equalised. It was the only time in the whole game that Bennett let Carroll have time and space and that was to prove costly as Carroll bought the ball down from a long punted ball forward to finish with precision accuracy.

Though that lead lasted a full 30 seconds as straight from kick off Dorrans was given the freedom of the right flank to provide a wicked cross into the box. It was in fact Reid that headed home past his own keeper, though there was very little he could do with it, the quality of the cross proving to much to deal with.

The rest of the game remained very close, though most of it played out in midfield, as the two sides couldn't proceed to break one another down though both had a chance to score once more.

Nolan coming the closest as he saw a free-kick saved in the dying moments Gordon with a fabulous save down low to his left and gathering at the second attempt.



Karl Robinson Said: 'Today was a tough match and we were matched the whole way by a very strong West Ham team.'

'Sam had them set up to frustrate us and to battle us. It was a great game though, both sides happy to get stuck in and put themselves in where it hurts.'

'I am delighted that we have been able to come out on top though of course it could have quite easily been the other way around. Sometimes it is the little bit of luck you get when you are at the top.'

Sam Allardyce Said: 'I am happy with the performance over all though I would be lying if I didn't say I was disappointed that we haven't won.'

'I feel the chances we had should have seen us wrap it up though a combination of our own mistakes and great goalkeeping on their behalf put pay to that one.'

'We will pick ourselves up and get ready for the next game, which I am sure we can get a win in.'

West Brom Line Up: Gordon, Blind, Olsson, Bennett, Popov, Dorrans, Brunt (Sub Yacob 60 mins), Mulumbu, McClean, Odemwingie, Long

Unused Substitutes: Daniels, McAuley, Ridgewell, Thomas, Gera, Austin

West Ham Line Up: Jaaskelainen, Demel, Reid, Spence, McCartney (Sub Taylor 62 mins), Noble, Nolan, Collison (Sub Vaz Te 67 mins), Benayoun, Jarvis, Carroll

Unused Substitutes: Henderson, Driver, Diame, Maiga, O'Brien

Good old Odemwingie! Another top result buddy, joint top with City early on!

Indeed, he is a great player but never have the time to play him a lot really.

That is me for the night, more to come tomorrow evening as I will spend most of tomorrow writing updates lol!

Published
10.12 22nd October 2012

Peter Odemwingie spoke of his delight at getting an opportunity in the last game and feels that he did his chances of cementing a place in the first team no harm.

The striker was over the moon at being given a chance to play in the first team and gain a first start in the league this season and he hopes that he can push on from here.

'I am delighted to get a goal to repay the manager for his faith in me. We was really complementary of me in training and I am so pleased to get a start under my belt.'

'I really want to get going now and get some more games coming my way. The problem is there are some great strikers here and we all want to play.'

West Brom have a bit of time before their next game, now not playing till the 30th October in the Capital One Cup against Blackpool and Odemwingie knows that any slip ups in training could prove costly for the team selection.

'Nobody is guaranteed to start but that is a good thing. We are all kept on our toes and made to work hard and it means a bit of friendly competition between us all.'

26 October 2012
Last updated at 14:55 GMT


Ian Holloway tells us at the BBC he is excited about travelling to West Brom on Tuesday night to face them in the Capital One Cup.

'We have a game to contend with tomorrow first against Huddersfield, who are flying by the way and that will not be an easy test. So we would be foolish to look past that to Tuesday.'

'However we are all excited to test ourselves with the best in the country and at the moment they are the best being joint top of the league with the two Manchester sides.'

Blackpool are the lowest ranked side left in the competition and currently sit 17th in the Championship though Holloway believes league stature goes out the window in cup football.

'Where you are in the league in a cup game means nothing. It is who wants it more at the end of the day and if we want it more we will win.'

'As I said though, we have an important game against Huddersfield to contend with first and then we will see about Tuesday.'

30 October 2012
Last updated at 22:03 GMT


Charlie Austin and Romelu Lukaku both score braces as West Brom romp home with a 5-0 victory over Championship counterparts Blackpool.

West Brom secured progression with ease, after an early penalty scare. It was Barry Ferguson just 8 minutes into the game that had the chance to open the scoring but saw his penalty saved by Gordon getting down low to save. In truth the penalty looked harsh and so perhaps justice was done.

From that moment the game only went one way as West Brom took the penalty miss as their chance to get going in the match. Though it did take them 28 minutes to find the net, Charlie Austin the benefactor.

He was able to tap in following shot from Lukaku was saved, though the power on the shot made it to hot to handle for the Blackpool shot stopper who could do nothing with the rebound as the away side stood and watched.

Austin was at it again before half time, however in the process of scoring a goal he was caught late by Evatt. The injury sufficient enough to see the striker removed at half time as a precaution, Robinson feeling that he was not needed to be risked.

The young manager was proved to be right. Though Blackpool did start the stronger of the two sides in the second half, Matt Phillips who was introduced at half time coming close with a shot that whistled just over the bar.

It was then the turn of defender Evatt who got up highest from a corner only to see his headed hit the crossbar and go out for a goal kick, much to his managers disbelief.

Though as the away team started to get tired, West Brom saw this as a chance to take advantage when on 77 minutes another soft penalty was given and Lukaku stepped up to take the spot kick. He powered home sending the keeper the wrong way.

2 minutes from time George Thorne, who was having a wonderous display in the middle of the park for West Brom, played a defence splitting pass for Lukaku who drove the ball home to make the score 4-0.

There was still time to add yet more gloss to the score as Austin's substitute, Odemwingie, pounced on a lose ball from a corner to slot home and provided a scoreline a little flattering on the Premier League side, yet none the less deserved.



Karl Robinson Said: 'The game could have been so much different today. Had that penalty gone in early then we would have had to chase the game and that makes it much more difficult for us to do.

'Thankfully big Craig was at hand to save it, as he does so often in training and as they say the rest is history. We worked hard for the win that is for sure.'

'Having seen Blackpool play now I am surprised how close the the bottom of their league they are, they won't be there for long that is for sure.'

Ian Holloway Said: 'I was happy till we conceded. It was a sloppy goal to give away but we know that if you give top quality players the chance to score then they will take it.'

'That was the real difference today, in the end it was the chances not taken for us that have cost us the game, most notably the penalty that we have missed.'

'Best of luck to West Brom in the next round, we now have to concentrate on getting ourself out of trouble in the league.'

West Brom Line Up: Gordon, Blind, Olsson, McAuley, Popov, Thomas (Sub Dorrans 65 mins), Yacob, Thorne, Gera (Sub Brunt 78 mins), Austin (Sub Odeminwingie 45 mins), Lukaku

Unused Substitutes: Daniels, Bennett, Mulumbu, Long

Blackpool Line Up: Kettings, John-Baptise, Evatt, Basham (Sub Cathcart 56 mins), Harris (Sub Crainey 45 mins), Angel, Ferguson, Grandin, Noguera, Pugh (Sub Phillips 45 mins), Taylor-Fletcher

Unused Substitutes: Halstead, Broadfoot, Ince, Dicko

Just thought you may want to see the league as it is now! Look at Chelsea and Arsenal!!!

Published
15.33 1st November 2012

Karl Robinson says he is delighted with the way that his team are performing in league and cup and hopes that it will continue for a long time to come yet.

Though whilst the run is continuing and going strong 'Robbo' wants to guard against complacency as it is tough test after tough test in the Premier League.

'I am so happy with the way we keep performing. What is even more pleasing is that I can change the squad around a little give some players a break and we can still get a victory. As a manager that is fantastic, to have the strength in depth that we do.'

Robinson was also quick to praise youngster, George Thorne, who had a fantastic game in the centre of the Baggies midfield on Tuesday night.

'George was fantastic, I was pleased for him. He has worked hard for a long time in training but it is hard to break a winning team. He showed me what he has got and he was delighted to play too. He thoroughly deserved his man of the match accolade from the sponsors at the game too.'

Now the task for the manager is to get the team focused for another away game as they this time travel to Arsenal, though Robinson sees this as an advantage.

'Before the turn of the New Year, we will have played Manchester United and City, Arsenal and Chelsea all away from home. It is a big advantage to us to have done that.'

'It doesn't make the second half of the season easier, you still have to play them, but what it does do is allows you a chance to say actually we can beat them at home.'

There are still tickets available for the away game with Arsenal this Saturday though they will not be available to purchase on the day.

West Brom manager, Karl Robinson will get a chance to play against his home town team earlier than anticipated as he will travel to Anfield in the quarter final of the Capital One Cup.

Robinson said, 'It is going to be a great game and we will be right up for it. We have many games between now and this one though so it will have to take a back seat.'

'We firmly believe we can beat anyone so for us, it will be a tough test but one we look forward to battling with.'

Elsewhere Huddersfield's reward for overcoming Tottenham in the previous round is a home tie with Manchester United in what is sure to be a fantastic game drawing a big crowd in.

The draw in full:

Top win in the capital one cup and your league form is fantastic as is your position! big test in the next round of the cup

Big test indeed Dan! Going to be tough, wouldn't be to disappointed to lose to them if it was to happen.

3 November 2012
Last updated at 17:00 GMT


Arsenal were made to fight hard for a point against a dogged and determined West Brom side who just would not give up.

Arsene Wenger though will be deeply upset at the manner of the game, firmly being two points just for Arsenal who in the end let slip the game gifting West Brom a point.

However Arsenal made a lightening start to the game, though it was a mistake from Popov who underhit his back pass and it was played right into the path of Kweuke who was able to slot home with no pressure. Needless to say the defender was berated by his manager from the touchline.

If that wasn't enough to wake up the away side, this surely must have been as they allowed Arteta time and space who unleashed a shot from outside the area going just wide of the post.

Arsenal have not had much to cheer about this season and they thought that they may have had a second when Kweuke ghosted in from a corner to head in unmarked though the assistant referee on the far side disallowed the goal, for what looked like a foul on the keeper from Vermaelen.

West Brom came out in the second half with a little more of attacking impetus and after a slick passing move building them up slowly to the edge of the box, Chris Brunt was on hand to unleash a strike full of ferocity though just wide.

West Brom made some changes though Odemwingie had only been on the field a matter of minutes when we was injured by Mertesacker, both of them withdrawn from the field, after the game Odemwingie ruled out for 2 weeks.

Though this meant having to bring on midfielder Thomas and West Brom changed to a 4-2-3-1 formation, enough to bamboozle Arsenal who looked at sixes and sevens and not at all sure as to what was going on.

It didn't take long for that confusion at the back to be capitalized on and as Vermaelen came out to close down Thomas, he played a delightful ball into the path of Long who fired home past Szczesny to send the Baggies fans into raptures behind the goal, needless to say Long milked the applause.

Arsenal had one last chance to win the game though Gordon was more than equally to a scuffed shot from Oxlade-Chamberlain as boos rang around The Emirates at full time.



Arsene Wenger Said: 'When their player got injured and they change the style of play it unsettled us. There was no coincidence to me that this was when they played the best football.'

'For us a draw at home is simply not good enough, especially with the position that we find ourselves in currently.'

'We must work harder to do better in these games and we will need to pick ourselves up quickly otherwise it could be an embarrassing season.'

Karl Robinson Said: 'I think the draw was probably the fair result today. We battled hard to get a point and perhaps some will say Peter getting injured and us changing the formation upset them a little.'

'As it was, when we had changed to play a more attacking style, Arsenal couldn't cope and in the end we probably could have nicked it.'

'Though if someone had told me at the start we would get a point today, I would have been more than happy and I am just that now.'

Arsenal Line Up: Szczesny, Jenkinson, Mertesacker (Sub Koscielny 72 mins), Vermaelen, Filipe, Frimpong, Arteta, Whilshire (Sub Diaby 72 mins), Gervinho, Arshavin (Sub Oxlade-Chamberlain 78 mins), Kweuke

Unused Substitutes: Fabianski, Walcott, Giroud, Podolski

West Brom Line Up: Gordon, Blind, Olsson, Bennett, Popov, Dorrans, Brunt, Mulumbu, Gera (Sub McClean 45 mins), Austin (Sub Odeminwingie 65 mins (Sub Thomas 72 mins), Long

Unused Substitutes: Daniels, McAuley, Ridgewell, Yacob

6 Novemeber 2012
Last updated at 09:22 GMT


Grant Holt has told the BBC that his Norwich City side will travel to The Hawthorns this weekend full of confidence and looking for revenge following West Brom dumping them out of the cup.

Norwich secured their 4th win of the season this weekend and have seen themselves climb to sixth in the league and look to continue their good form over fellow suprise package, West Brom.

'We feel that they got a little lucky in the cup, that mixed with our own mistakes but we feel much more ready to play them now than we did then.'

'Naturally we were disappointed to go out of the cup the way we did, coming so close but yet being so far away. We know that in the league we will provide much sterner opposition.'

Norwich themselves have won three of the last four and are unbeaten in all of those games, West Brom with an identical record and Holt recognises it could be another close game.

'I think that there could be another goal between us, that is how close we are at the moment. Hopefully if that is to be the case, we will be the ones that come out on top this time around.'

10 November 2012
Last updated at 17:00 GMT


West Brom came from 3-1 down to once again secure a 4-3 victory over Norwich City, secured by Shane Long in injury time.

Norwich were left to ponder what might have been as West Brom secured another victory over them as another thriller between the two sides took place.

Norwich made a flying start to the match, just 2 minutes in taking the lead as a high ball was punted forward Morrison did not give up on it and was able to head the ball home. There were cries for a foul on the keeper as Morrison caught him in the air but these appeals fell on deaf ears.

West Brom got themselves back into the game and carved out a chance of their own. Chris Brunt the benefactor of the ball bouncing around on the edge of the area he struck the ball towards goal with power but in the end it was always rising and went well over the bar.

Morrison was able to capitalize on poor defending as he stuck home is second to give the away team a two goal lead and in truth looking comfortable, he wheeled away to celebrate along with his team mates.

Just 5 minutes later and West Brom had a goal back, Shane Long getting in on the act as he fired home from close range after Ruddy was unable to catch the ball from a tame shot supplied by Austin, though of course poacher Long doesn't mind how they come.

The game appeared to be over before half time though, as Morrison completed his hat-rick and looked to give Norwich a 3-1 lead going into the break. A sweetly taken goal hit with power and precision enough to beat Gordon.

Though Austin was able to give West Brom a glimmer of hope as he latched on to a through ball from Brunt in injury time, and struck home with a beautifully placed finish to set up the second half at 3-2.

There were rumblings around the ground at half time, could West Brom do it again? They had to wait till midway into the second half to have a reason to believe that it could as Long cut inside from the left to fire home a superb curling shot, right into the top corner leaving Ruddy with no chance.

With the game delicately poised at 3-3 both teams looked for a way to win the game, Grant Holt looked to find that winner and he was well thwarted by Gordon who was having an inspired second half keeping everything out that was thrown at him.

James McClean was put on with just 8 minutes to play, his superb crossing ability enough to leave the Norwich defence standing as Long jumped but not high enough seeing his poorly timed headed end up going over the bar and into the stand.

Karl Robinson geered up the crowd, asking them to raise the volume and as all hope looked lost for either side winning the game, another McClean cross found the right foot with a perfectly timed volley and breaking the heart of Norwich City as it bulged the back of the net.



Karl Robinson Said: 'We are starting to turn a few heads now with our style of play and attacking prowess. It is almost like going out sometimes saying we will score more than you.'

'We did something today that Norwich didn't and that is play to the final whistle, they thought the game was drawn and I believe some of them were in the changing room already that played into our hands.'

'I am just delighted at the turn around, to be 3-1 down and looking out of it before half time, Charlie scoring in injury time at the end of the first half changed it for me.'

Chris Hughton Said: 'It is a bit of a blow to lose the game so late and especially when we have worked hard to be worthy of at least a point.'

'Though this is what happened to us in the cup, we worked hard with little reward and yet we have come away with a loss to West Brom.'

'That all being said, if you leave Shane Long free in the penalty area and give him the chance to score his hat-rick he will do, that is just not acceptable.'

West Brom Line Up: Gordon, Blind, Olsson, Bennett, Popov (Sub Ridgewell 60 mins), Dorrans, Brunt, Mulumbu (Sub Yacob 60 mins), Gera (Sub McClean 82 mins), Austin, Long

Unused Substitutes: Daniels, McAuley, Thomas, Lukaku

Norwich City Line Up: Ruddy, Whittaker (Sub Bennet 62 mins), Teixiera (Sub Barnett 74 mins), Bassong, Garido, Coleman, Tettey (Sub Howson 90 mins), Johnson, Surman, Holt, Morrison

Unused Substitutes: Bunn, Wiggins, Pilkington, Kane

Published
12.02 4th November 2012

Shane Long spoke of his delight following a hat-rick against Norwich, secured in style with a last minute winner for his side at the weekend.

Long has a habit of scoring against Norwich, though says he is not resting in his laurels as the side prepares hard for a home game against Stoke this weekend.

'On a personal note, everything is going right for me here so far this season and that is very pleasing for me and the team.'

'We go into games knowing that we can outscore and beat anyone on our day. If someone would have told us that at this stage of the season we would have lost just the one game, we probably would have laughed.'

'Since the gaffer has been here, he has worked hard to get us all going and to the best of our ability, just because the club has one aspiration that being to stay up, it doesn't mean that we have to just accept that will happen.'

The Irishman was also sure that the fantastic run that The Baggies are on and go on for some time yet. 'We have a belief about what we are doing and there is a massive amount of confidence around the place.'

'If we keep working hard we can keep the run going. Of course we have to lose again eventually that is just the law of averages but we want to keep playing football the right way.'

17 November 2012
Last updated at 17:05 GMT


The Baggies made it for clean sheets this season after a fine 3-0 win over Stoke City, though the scoreline did not reflect the whole game.

Stoke could have easily taken the lead themselves when veteran striker, Michael Owen missed what he would class as a sitter striking wide in a one on one with Gordon in the West Brom goal.

If it wasn't enough to learn the lesson once, they let him in again moments later, this time a tame effort easily claimed by Gordon who was enjoying his run in the side with Foster out injured.

West Brom did claw their way back into the game and with Shane Long you just never know what to expect, the hot shot striker this time fluffing his lines as he saw a shot go high over the top of the bar.

The home side however took the lead in emphatic style as youngster Charlie Austin struck home as the ball went in off the post from all of 22 yards. Austin himself keen to celebrate with the manager, running over to him to celebrate the wonderful goal.

That was the way it stayed until half time, though the scores could have been level if not for some fine defending from Bennett, who was on hand to clear off the line from a fabulous Crouch header from a Stoke corner.

The Baggies came out fired up in the second half, the words of manager Robinson clearly still ringing in their ears and it didn't take long for them to strike.

Austin made it two for himself and his side as a defence splitting ball from Brunt found his feet and he was able to supply an incredible finish from just inside the area. Austin this time lapping up the applause from the fans.

Stoke tried hard to get back into the game though found shot stopper Gordon in inspired form as he was able to drive down low to his left to tip away yet another Michael Owen strike.

Lukaku came on for West Brom, replacing Shane Long with around 20 minutes to play. Long had not had the best of games but we had heard he was carrying a slight knock and would only ever play this length of the match.

Though substitute Lukaku had time to put his name on the score sheet as Graham Dorrans flighted in a delightful cross finding the head of Lukaku who was able to send the ball into the back of the net with power and venom.



Karl Robinson Said: 'I am delighted with yet another win, it is so far turning out to be an incredible season.'

'The players are delighted because we are now only 14 points away from the magic 40 points. From them the world is our oyster.'

'We have an attitude that never lets us give up and that is the way I want it to be. If we did anything different I would be very disappointed.'

'As it is we have a win, a clean sheet and climb to second in the league. You can't ask for much more than that really.'

Tony Pullis Said: 'The game was pretty even really but has been decided by a side that can finish and one that can't.'

'They are flying, the win takes them second. I am struggling right now to see a team that will be able to stop them because they will take some stopping in that sort of form.'

'We were just wasteful with chances, on other days you score all of them but it just wasn't our day. We put this result behind us and move on now to the next game.'

West Brom Line Up: Gordon, Blind, Olsson, Bennett, Popov , Dorrans, Brunt, Mulumbu , Gera (Sub McClean 58 mins), Austin, Long (Sub Lukaku 69 mins)

Unused Substitutes: Daniels, McAuley, Thomas, Yacob

Norwich City Line Up: Sorensen, Shotton, Shawcross, Huth, Upson (Sub Higginbotham 50 mins), Pennant (Sub Wilson 45 mins), Gardner (Sub Whitehead 45 mins), Palacios, Etherington, Crouch, Owen

Unused Substitutes: Begovic, Wilkinson, Kightly, Jones

Great win over Norwich with a fantastic hatrick from long. Well done on beating stoke too

Thanks for your kind words once more Dan

17 November 2012
Last updated at 18:11 GMT


Martin O'Neill has been sacked by Sunderland following a 2-0 home loss to QPR leaving the Black Cats rooted to the bottom of the Premier League with just one win to their name all season.

It was clear that the position of O'Neill was becoming nothing more than unattainable and the Sunderland board have acted to remove him from the position as manager.

An official club statement read, 'Sunderland have tonight parted company with Martin O'Neill following another defeat in the Premier League.'

'As a club we feel the time is right to make the change and hope that the time left in the season will allow a new manager to come in and hopefully keep us up from our very precarious position.'

'We would like to thank Martin for his commitment to the club and his attempts to turn around the problems here and we wish him all the best in his future endeavours.'

19 November 2012
Last updated at 12:42 GMT


Former Sunderland player, James McClean, has spoken publicly about the departure of O'Neill as Sunderland boss.

McClean himself is not surprised by the decision and hoped Sunderland can find a manager capable of taking the team on to a much better position than that they are in now.

'The only shock to me is the time it too to do it.' Said McClean speaking exclusively to the BBC, 'They have been rock bottom for a while, not looking like doing anything.'

'Sunderland fans deserve much better, they are some of the best in the country and really they do not deserve to see their side sitting bottom of the league like this.'

McClean though did admit that the wheels had been falling off for a while. 'Even from when he first came in something didn't really seem right.'

'He had his way of doing things but it didn't work for the players that he had there, yes results changed a little when he first came in but at the end of the day I don't think he was good enough.'