Snatching defeat from the jaws of victory
PA PhotosRomelu Lukaku acrobatically celebrates his second goal against ReadingSaturday's defeat at Reading was the definition of a nightmare away day. Two-nil up with 10 minutes to play, all is rosey, the fans are happy and mocking the opposing fans. Then, suddenly, it's all changed, West Brom lose 3-2 to Reading and the journey back feels a lot longer as you mull over everything that went on in the game.
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One of the most disappointing parts of the game was the fact that it was one of Albion's best performances for some time. Their passing was sharp and incisive, there was width and creativity, the counter-attacking game that worked so well earlier in the season was in full flow, all this with five first team players out of action.
The return of Jerome Thomas was something that I was happy to see, Thomas can provide West Brom with that width and pace that they have been missing and he played well, although he did tire towards the end.
Another positive was the performance of George Thorne in the centre of the park, he looked very composed on the ball and made a few good challenges. He certainly looks as if he can play at this level, putting him alongside a fit Claudio Yacob will give Albion plenty of cover for Youssuff Mulumbu's absence.
The two best players on the pitch were Albion's top two, James Morrison and Romelu Lukaku. Morrison was restored to his role behind the striker and he was superb, laying on the first goal for Lukaku and setting up two other chances for the Big Belgian. Lukaku had his best game for Albion, showing why Chelsea paid so much money for him.
He was a handful all game for the Reading defence, he got two goals, and also had one disallowed, whilst he hit the post and the crossbar in a man of the match lone forward display.
Strangely it was the defence that cost West Brom the game, I say strangely because this is the one area of the pitch where The Baggies were at relatively full strength, with the only debate being whether you prefer Liam Ridgewell or Goran Popov as your left-back.
It was individual errors from McAuley, Olsson and Ridgewell that cost West Brom the game which is such a rare thing to see from these three normally reliable players that Steve Clarke will be hoping it is a one off rather than something that is going to occur more often.
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