22nd February 2004: Another huge
result for the Baggies and a show of great fortitude to come back
from conceding a soft goal. It was no more than Albion deserved as
they dominated the Blades.
Megson showed his mettle and made a change that me and those around
me all thought was wrong when he switched to 3-5-2, but he was right
as it was employed as an attacking option. Haas and Clement were playing
as true midfielders leaving Moore, Volmer and Gaardsoe to cope with
the limited threat posed by the United front line. Albion then flooded
forward and caused all sorts of problems for the last twenty minutes.
With none of the other sides in the top seven winning, Albion took
their chance reducing the deficit to Norwich to just three points
but more importantly opening up a six point gap to Wigan in third
with Ipswich in fourth a further four points back.
Warnock was his usual unbiased self and demonstrated his inability
to give Albion and Megson any praise by tipping West Ham to replace
Albion in the automatic promotion spot by the end of the season thereby
setting up another meeting with United in the play-offs. Two points
Neil. Firstly, Albion will not make the mistakes that Wolves did two
years ago - I believe we have a stronger squad and a stronger spirit.
Secondly, with the run that United are on in the league coupled with
an energy-sapping Cup run, I'd be surprised if United made the play-offs
themselves. They are hanging on in sixth spot at the moment, but there
are some good sides like Palace and Sunderland behind them.
We now need to keep going and get the three points against Rotherham
and, who knows, we could be top by next Tuesday if we win at Norwich!
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