3rd May 2004: The title may have
all but gone, but the real achievement is already complete. It was,
however, obvious that the fans were hoping for the title, or at least
to extend the unbeaten record, because the Viking hordes were subdued
after the goal went in.
It was a poor Albion performance that, for me, pointed to how much
we rely on AJ in the middle of the park. Without his drive and ambition
in the centre, which can only serve to inspire those around him, there
was a lack of bite in the Albion performance. Dyer was keen to get
involved and looked dangerous on the ball, but his naivety showed
through on occasion and I'm not sure he was quite ready for his first
full appearance. O'Connor is a mere shadow of the player he was in
the early stages of the season. Whether it is his lack of first team
football that is telling, but he never seems to be aware of the players
around him when he receives the ball, and so puts himself under pressure
causing him to lose the ball in a tackle or play a poor pass. I hope
Megson shows no sentiment when we return to his former club on Tuesday.
Up front, I'm not sure why Horsfield wasn't rested as his injury is
obviously troubling him and he hasn't been the same player in the
past few games. Dobie looks low on confidence and, although Facey
has not yet proved himself, I'd prefer to see him in the side that
Dobes at the moment. And what of Skoubo? He's obviously not going
to break into the Danish side now, but should we not see a bit more
of him? Or has Megson already decided not to keep him for next season?
Given that he has continued to play in the reserves, maybe the club
have not completely given up on him.
With two games to go, and little to play for, it would be nice to
see Albion turn on the style and play some attractive football - surely
they are capable of that now? Although if Norwich lose and Albion
win on Tuesday evening, it could be in the balance again next Sunday....
|
