West Bromwich Albion away match thread

[Numero Uno]

1 minute ago, And Its Smith said:

West Brom fans and Norwich fans might call us a good side but don’t think Birmingham and Millwall fans would, and there in lies our big task ahead. Stop putting in performances like Millwall at home and Birmingham away. 

That’s still an improvement on pretty much everyone saying we are shit. But I take your point, more consistency is the next thing Nige has to deliver.

[Northern Red]

1 minute ago, Numero Uno said:

Interesting take on the West Brom forum from a few posters basically saying we bossed it first half, won the game with good passing and movement, then defended in numbers, allowing them to fail miserably second half.

We might not think it at times but we are being described as a half decent side and definitely improving our reputation with other fans (compared to previous seasons when any win away from home would greeted with “we just lost to the poorest team in the division, make no mistake”).

Think back over recent years to the number of teams who've come to AG and done that to us, leading to similar comments from our fans. It was an exercise in how to win away from home.

 

[Numero Uno]

3 minutes ago, cheese said:

Wonder why that might be?  Interestingly, Max's stats last night were 4 punches and 2 high balls taken.  I tried looking to see when our goalkeeper last had that sort of stat - gave up in March 2021.  It was noticeable that on their first few corners they were all crowded round Max who dealt with them comfortably.  After that they started to cross further out towards the penalty spot which our defenders were able to deal with.

That’s the value of a commanding keeper (not suggesting Max is that btw). Shot stopping is one aspect of the game  but give me a keeper that dominates in that 6-10 yard zone any day.

[Andy082005]

25 minutes ago, Numero Uno said:

Interesting take on the West Brom forum from a few posters basically saying we bossed it first half, won the game with good passing and movement, then defended in numbers, allowing them to fail miserably second half.

We might not think it at times but we are being described as a half decent side and definitely improving our reputation with other fans (compared to previous seasons when any win away from home would greeted with “we just lost to the poorest team in the division, make no mistake”).

We need to find some consistency with our defending. Last night was a defensive master class at times. Winning the balls into the box with ease….yet so many times this season it has been our Achilles heel 

Klose makes one hell of a difference . 
 

Really enjoyable match last night which made the trip home all the easier. 

[Mr Popodopolous]

2 hours ago, bexhill reds said:

Nige will have a selection issue once Naismith is fit, does he drop Klose and then there is Vyner, he’s not been my favourite player for a couple of seasons, but he’s becoming a very tidy defender at present, he’s not undroppable but it would be harsh to simply bring Kalas back in.

It's a dilemma but a bit of a cliche too. Nice one to have.

Naismith I still think gives us that extra dimension, outlet from the back.

Klose, well we've seen that he can be strong- enjoyed his displays v Preston and West Brom. Still returning to fitness too. 

Kalas- Will have to work for his place, also will take some time to get back to optimum condition yet a fully fit, in-form Kalas is an asset in a range of ways IMO.

Vyner- Harsh to drop as you say, has been quite decent at times this season but is he of the level of the above 2 or possessing the creativity of Naismith when all are at their best?

[LondonBristolian]

3 minutes ago, Mr Popodopolous said:

It's a dilemma but a bit of a cliche too. Nice one to have.

Naismith I still think gives us that extra dimension, outlet from the back.

Klose, well we've seen that he can be strong- enjoyed his displays v Preston and West Brom. Still returning to fitness too. 

Kalas- Will have to work for his place, also will take some time to get back to optimum condition yet a fully fit, in-form Kalas is an asset in a range of ways IMO.

Vyner- Harsh to drop as you say, has been quite decent at times this season but is he of the level of the above 2 or possessing the creativity of Naismith when all are at their best?

Vyner’s biggest enemy is inconsistency. He has been a lot better on that score this season but, if Vyner could play to his best every week, I do think he could continue to keep Kalas out the team.

[steviestevieneville]

54 minutes ago, And Its Smith said:

West Brom fans and Norwich fans might call us a good side but don’t think Birmingham and Millwall fans would, and there in lies our big task ahead. Stop putting in performances like Millwall at home and Birmingham away. 

It’s a frustration definitely and it’s the nature of the league. Normally there’s a parachute payment club that’s more consistent but look at top of the table now. Blackburn. Won 9 lost 7 , bonkers . 

[bexhill reds]

1 hour ago, And Its Smith said:

West Brom fans and Norwich fans might call us a good side but don’t think Birmingham and Millwall fans would, and there in lies our big task ahead. Stop putting in performances like Millwall at home and Birmingham away. 

And that brings us back to Nige’s regular quote about consistency. It’s got to be as fustrating for him as it is for us, and perhaps more so, preparing the team for a game, looking at the scouting and analyst reports of how the opposition set up and what they do, and then watch all 11 on the pitch contribute towards a right royal **** up.

[Davefevs]

3 hours ago, Numero Uno said:

That’s the value of a commanding keeper (not suggesting Max is that btw). Shot stopping is one aspect of the game  but give me a keeper that dominates in that 6-10 yard zone any day.

One game only, but felt like a coming of age for Max last night.  He has never tried to dominate his box in the past, like he did last night.

Plays Saturday, involved in a cock-up for their winner, but backed by Nige post-match….he might’ve thought he’d blown his chance.  Last night he was confident and decisive.  His defenders seemed confident and decisive too.

I also like that in open play, his starting position is higher than Bents, meaning he decreases the distance between him and his defence when we get to play a high line.  Less room for opponents to chip balls into space.

Big period of games coming up for him.

[italian dave]

2 hours ago, LondonBristolian said:

Vyner’s biggest enemy is inconsistency. He has been a lot better on that score this season but, if Vyner could play to his best every week, I do think he could continue to keep Kalas out the team.

Certainly, if you stick to the principle that you only lose your place based on performance then Vyner stays in at the moment - even if that means leaving Kalas out (IMO).

I think the reality probably is that a combination of injuries and suspensions means that there won't be too many occasions when NP has five (I'm counting Naismith too) to pick from.

The equally interesting dilemma now is what he does with Weimann. We looked so much better last night with a proper three in midfield. If that continues into the next few games then I'm not sure where Weimann fits into the team - at least as long as we're playing with wing backs. 

Edited October 19, 2022 by italian dave

[Major Isewater]

3 hours ago, TomF said:

Have you got her number Rudolph ?

[Gillies Downs Leeds]

Interesting stat from last night (according to my app anyway) neither keeper made a save. That can't have happened on many occasions 

[WessexPest]

First win since 1993 there but first time we’ve come away with even a point since 1999 (obviously we drew there under Cotts but that was FAC and we lost replay). 
 

That 2-2 draw in the Ward / Benny relegation season sticks in the memory if only because there were some pretty bad crowd disturbances that day - Baggies and City trading blows across the segregation if memory serves.

Edited October 19, 2022 by WessexPest

[BUTOR]

1 hour ago, italian dave said:

Certainly, if you stick to the principle that you only lose your place based on performance then Vyner stays in at the moment - even if that means leaving Kalas out (IMO).

I think the reality probably is that a combination of injuries and suspensions means that there won't be too many occasions when NP has five (I'm counting Naismith too) to pick from.

The equally interesting dilemma now is what he does with Weimann. We looked so much better last night with a proper three in midfield. If that continues into the next few games then I'm not sure where Weimann fits into the team - at least as long as we're playing with wing backs. 

If we continue looking as solid as we did last night I think Weimann joins the queue of strikers for now (which he will inevitably break into with Semenyo’s questionable availability record and Conway’s fluctuating form) and as a very good utility sub in which he can cover pretty much every position but CB and GK! So he will still likely be featuring in every game but maybe off the bench for now. 

[RedRock]

 

8 minutes ago, Bouncearoundtheground said:

If we continue looking as solid as we did last night I think Weimann joins the queue of strikers for now (which he will inevitably break into with Semenyo’s questionable availability record and Conway’s fluctuating form) and as a very good utility sub in which he can cover pretty much every position but CB and GK! So he will still likely be featuring in every game but maybe off the bench for now. 

I think it’s a question of the availability of players Pearson believes he can ‘trust’ that has largely dictated formations to date. It’s all been a bit gung-ho so far, which was great until we were sussed by the opposition. 

We seem now to have - at last - moved to a position from where only the attacking unit had a ‘surplus’ of players, to a position now where the defensive unit is also approaching a ‘surplus’, and midfield has reached the ‘adequate’ level. 

Last night, we had a midfield unit fully fit and functioning for the first time for what feels like months/years ….and it made a massive difference. Solidity. 

Andi needed a rest and Pearson needs to look at how we use him in the future so he can replicate the goal scoring form of last season.

[Superjack]

2 hours ago, Davefevs said:

One game only, but felt like a coming of age for Max last night.  He has never tried to dominate his box in the past, like he did last night.

Plays Saturday, involved in a cock-up for their winner, but backed by Nige post-match….he might’ve thought he’d blown his chance.  Last night he was confident and decisive.  His defenders seemed confident and decisive too.

I also like that in open play, his starting position is higher than Bents, meaning he decreases the distance between him and his defence when we get to play a high line.  Less room for opponents to chip balls into space.

Big period of games coming up for him.

O'Leary was superb last night. 

I described him as a lower league keeper the other day, and I stand by that because up until 24 hours ago that is all I had ever really seen from him.

If he can keep up regular performances like that, I will be delighted to be put in my place.

[cidered abroad]

5 hours ago, And Its Smith said:

West Brom fans and Norwich fans might call us a good side but don’t think Birmingham and Millwall fans would, and there in lies our big task ahead. Stop putting in performances like Millwall at home and Birmingham away. 

Complete agreement.

We're doing something right; admittedly we've played more games than some, but we are the highest scorers!

[italian dave]

50 minutes ago, Bouncearoundtheground said:

If we continue looking as solid as we did last night I think Weimann joins the queue of strikers for now (which he will inevitably break into with Semenyo’s questionable availability record and Conway’s fluctuating form) and as a very good utility sub in which he can cover pretty much every position but CB and GK! So he will still likely be featuring in every game but maybe off the bench for now. 

Do you think that heralds a more regular use (in the staring XI at least) of three genuine midfielders - from Scott, King, Williams, James, Massengo (if back on the bus), Kadji (if not)??

[BUTOR]

17 minutes ago, italian dave said:

Do you think that heralds a more regular use (in the staring XI at least) of three genuine midfielders - from Scott, King, Williams, James, Massengo (if back on the bus), Kadji (if not)??

It's too early to call as we have fluctuated wildly from game to game this season, but based on last night and our solidity as a collective unit, yes I would absolutely say we should continue with three CMs even if it is at Weimann's expense. It is just best players in their best positions after all, which is a cliche but so often the way to achieve a less wayward front. 

[Davefevs]

1 hour ago, italian dave said:

Do you think that heralds a more regular use (in the staring XI at least) of three genuine midfielders - from Scott, King, Williams, James, Massengo (if back on the bus), Kadji (if not)??

46 minutes ago, Bouncearoundtheground said:

It's too early to call as we have fluctuated wildly from game to game this season, but based on last night and our solidity as a collective unit, yes I would absolutely say we should continue with three CMs even if it is at Weimann's expense. It is just best players in their best positions after all, which is a cliche but so often the way to achieve a less wayward front. 

Agree, and as you say, need to see this over a longer stretch of games.  Will it mean we lose a bit of attacking fluidity for example?  We don’t know yet.  As I often say, no magic formation, strengths and weaknesses in every one.

[Bazooka Joe]

After a result like that, it feels good to be a City supporter.

Hats off to Pearson and the players for bagging those three unexpected points.

Hope the next result makes good reading and we make that miserable "Guv'nor" wINCE.

 

 

[pillred]

32 minutes ago, Bazooka Joe said:

After a result like that, it feels good to be a City supporter.

Hats off to Pearson and the players for bagging those three unexpected points.

Hope the next result makes good reading and we make that miserable "Guv'nor" wINCE.

 

 

Good reading? let's hope they're bad reading :laugh:.

[Davefevs]

Some charts from last night:

Matty James - who he passes to / gets passes from and his actual passes.

Same format for Joe Williams:

Max’s kicking…

Big Rob’s aerial duels, the target of Max’s kicks, but 10 yards infield as opposed to Saturday:

All our aerial duels, grouped into 3 main areas:

West Brom’s crosses….mainly from wide / outside of the box.

…and here’s ours v Cov (h)

[Will Rollason]

1 hour ago, Davefevs said:

Some charts from last night:

Matty James - who he passes to / gets passes from and his actual passes.

Same format for Joe Williams:

Max’s kicking…

Big Rob’s aerial duels, the target of Max’s kicks, but 10 yards infield as opposed to Saturday:

All our aerial duels, grouped into 3 main areas:

West Brom’s crosses….mainly from wide / outside of the box.

…and here’s ours v Cov (h)

Thanks Dave, Matty James, and Williams tbf,  there to take it off Klose Atkinson and sykes.. that's what i want to see as an ex centre half not everyone running away,  but neither of them picking up from Vyner I see....

[Davefevs]

12 minutes ago, Will Rollason said:

Thanks Dave, Matty James, and Williams tbf,  there to take it off Klose Atkinson and sykes.. that's what i want to see as an ex centre half not everyone running away,  but neither of them picking up from Vyner I see....

Alex Scott played right, so more links with Zak per se.  Alex was quietly efficient last night, very disciplined.  I’d describe it as a mature performance for the team.

 

[Engvall’s Splinter]

8 hours ago, Davefevs said:

One game only, but felt like a coming of age for Max last night.  He has never tried to dominate his box in the past, like he did last night.

Plays Saturday, involved in a cock-up for their winner, but backed by Nige post-match….he might’ve thought he’d blown his chance.  Last night he was confident and decisive.  His defenders seemed confident and decisive too.

I also like that in open play, his starting position is higher than Bents, meaning he decreases the distance between him and his defence when we get to play a high line.  Less room for opponents to chip balls into space.

Big period of games coming up for him.

 

6 hours ago, Superjack said:

O'Leary was superb last night. 

I described him as a lower league keeper the other day, and I stand by that because up until 24 hours ago that is all I had ever really seen from him.

If he can keep up regular performances like that, I will be delighted to be put in my place.

Still don’t feel comfortable with MO’L between the sticks. Thought he did okay yesterday but didn’t think his punching was fantastic and he does lack real presence, especially when defending set pieces. As an opposing manager I’d be looking to crowd the six yard box and get on top of him. 
 

His distribution is very good. 
 

 

[Engvall’s Splinter]

23 minutes ago, billywedlock said:

But why did his manager and Williams call out that Max was positive in his decisions " Max came for so many crosses I though he was brilliant " ?Did you watch the game or just your preconceptions ? There is another keeper that never comes out, as that might put himself at risk of failure. Or has that also passed you by ? 

I guess previous posts may have passed you by - I haven’t said Bentley is perfect. 
 

With regards to Pearson and Williams comments that you reference, of which I haven’t heard, they are highly unlikely to state whilst Max was positive in his actions, he sometimes failed to comfortably execute a number of punches from crosses.  
 

Before you get yourself further overexcited, I said he did okay. Perhaps that also passed you by. 

Edited October 19, 2022 by Engvall’s Splinter

[robinforlife2]

Okay, I only got back late yesterday evening and couldn't log in from my mobile, but I really enjoyed the game on Tuesday night.

I have been very critical of the team, and more of Pearson, but things I wanted to see (Nahki back starting, Weimann dropped, Klose starting and Matty James back in the mix) all happened on one night.

I don't think we were brilliant, and I don't think West Brom were bad either.

I've rarely ever been in co-operate at a football match, but I was really surprised at West Brom. Despite leaving Dudley at 5pm, we didn't even get to the ground until 6.50! We were on the J2 roundabout for 45 minutes. Funnily enough, some 12-15yos on the back on two coaches (Bristol City ones) were throwing w-anchor signs at us, and lovely gestures, they do our fan base no favours. The Range Rover these little chavs were sending niceties to had 2 Bristol City fans in, and 2 West Brom fans in. I actually the driver must have said something to the little idiots as after jumping around and leaning up on seats for 3-4 minutes, they were suddenly quiet as mice! 

We did have a laugh about it, but some of fans do make themselves and the club look pathetic.

Once in the ground, we were in this nice restaurant. The food was lovely, Veg Soup followed by this Beef, Mash, Veg and Peppercorn gravy and then Sticky Toffee Pudding and Custard to finish.  At halt time there was Lamb Samosa's on the table and at full time Tea, Chocolates and biscuits.

The one thing that surprised me, was how the hospitality section welcomed Away fans as well as home fans, and there was no hostility at all. In fact my mates on my table tried to embarrass me when the announcer before the pre game chats, pointed out I was a City fan. There was another 2 tables of City fans as well.

Before the game we got to hear from Clive Whitehead and Jason Van Blerk who spoke about their history in the game, with some stories, before predictions for the match. Ex City player Whitehead gave a fair assessment, but as is the norm, both players suggested narrow home wins.

The game itself, we had nice comfy leather seats on the half way line and got a pretty good view of the match. The City fans seemed to have filled the away end and there was a good bit of noise from that area. The home support was notably quiet. I was trying not to be passionate and cheer on City knowing I was in the home end, albeit in cooperate and then noticed a few other clear City fans showing support for City and when Joe Williams scored even jumped up and cheered. There was no bother or response from the West Brom fans and this made me feel somewhat at ease. My friends, 2 of them West Brom fans were impressed by Alex Scott, Antoine Semenyo, Matty James and Nahki Wells, and from where we were sat, it looked like Nahki tripped over his feet when through on goal after 3 minutes. 

I thought that West Brom looked menacing going forward but every time they got to the edge of our area, there was no one in the box and every time they countered we often outnumbered them. We had clearly done a good job on them, but for me for all their enticing build up play, they offered little in the final third and I think that made us look better than we were.

From where we were sat, it looked as if it was a wonder strike of Semenyo's which nestled in the net (lack of replays after a goal on the scoreboard was annoying) but from the announcer, you could hear it was in fact a header from Nahki and then the replays inside showed this as well. 

One moment I thought was class in the first half, was West Brom dangerously went down the left and looked sure to break through on goal, but Nahki had sprinted back 50 yards to narrow it down, win the ball, fly in for another tackle and then clear it up field. Nahki was everywhere and linking up the play so well. It was nice to see the fans sound their appreciation for that excellent defensive move, which prevented a serious attack.

The second half was far from vintage, but whilst I would have liked to have seen us go forward for a 3rd, I think our only real chance came around 68 minutes, when Nahki put a wonderful ball through to Semenyo but his effort went over.

It was very much all West Brom in the second half as we soaked up pressure, but they offered very little. I was able to chat with West Brom fans around me, knowing I was a City fan and West Brom were unhappy with their team, but praised the way we were literally letting themselves burn out whilst offering little.

Near 70 minutes, West Brom should have scored, when a goal mouth scramble saw them hit the post, but again despite a lot of solid build up play they offered very little threat and didn't force Max into one single save. Their next chance came on 94 minutes, when they rattled the bar from a sublime effort from John Swift, and I wouldn't say we were undeserving of a clean sheet, but for all West Brom's build up play and possession, they may feel a shade hard done by not to have got one goal.

I thought Kalas looked solid when he made his brief cameo, and Weimann looked a bit off the pace when he came on. I was impressed with Dasilva, and Conway really slowing the game down at the end, showing strength to keep it in the West Brom half with frustrating thrown in after thrown in and not allowing West Brom out at all. They saw the game out well, and it was nice to see that Conway could have another type of impact off the bench.

Nigel rung the right changes pre match, ones the fans had called on for. It was frustrating we came out second half and defended rather than asserted, but he made the right chances subs wise and we held our shape well for a deserved and commanding 3pts. I congratulate Nige on getting it right, and putting out a team, I think a lot of the fans had wanted to see. I've been critical of him on occasions, but credits due where credits due, and he got it right at West Brom.

Team Ratings  

O'Leary - 7 - Not a lot to do, but commanded area well and nearly put Nahki through for a goal, solid performance.

Sykes  - 9 - Absolutely brilliant, won nearly every challenge in the first half, linked up play brilliantly and was a menace going forwards, put some decent balls in and was probably the best I have seen him play

Dasilva - 8 - For all the criticism he gets for me, he offers plenty and for someone of his stature, he is not afraid to get stuck in. Effective going forward, solid at the back and helped us see the game out well.

Klose - 9 - Solid leader at the back, calm and helped the defence out, barely lost a challenge in the air and showed why he should be our first choice centre back

Atkinson - 7 - Played well and done nothing wrong at all. But his contribution was not as heavy or noted as the others at the back. But a good performance

Vyner - 8 - I thought he was great, solid on the ground, some good clearances, a cheeky little nutmeg to clear, glimpses of skill and linked up brilliantly with James. By far our most improved player and is starting to look a rock solid centre back in this league. I thought he played very well.

James - 9 - Worked his socks off, and linked defence to midfield well. Often saw a pass which others didn't read. Tracked back and done very well. Was knackered when subbed, but showed why we had missed him.

Scott - 8 - Nice bits of trickery, solid on his feet, not afraid to get stuck in and offered so much going forward. West Brom didn't know how to deal with him and looks naturally gifted on the ball. I've been him play better, but there was nothing wrong with his performance and he was solid all game.

Williams - 9 - Pleased he got his goal, toe poke special and played very well. Stuck his neck out a few times and formed a good partnership with James and always looked composed. Very good performance. 

Semenyo - 8 - His finishing isn't always great, but he worked hard, got involved a lot and played in some nice balls. Him and Nahki linked up well and had 2 men on him most of the game. Probably should have made better of a couple of chances he had, but he caused them problems all night and helped get other players more space. I would like to see him in a Midfield/winger role as I think he has certain attributes which would be fruitful. 

Wells - 10 - MOTM - I thought he was fantastic, bar his 3rd minute moment where he should have at least worked the keeper, he was everywhere. Never stopped running, tracked back, intimidated their players all the time, won free kicks by winding up their defence. Often put some very good balls through, twice to Semenyo, once to Martin and netted himself, as well as also going close on another occasion. When he tracked back he got stuck in, won challenges and important every time we broke. He showed Tuesday night, it should be Wells and one other when it comes to selecting our strikers. The most natural striker we have and this was the first time I saw an all round game from him, rather than just that of a striker. The fans sounded their appreciation when he was subbed and he gave his all. Having been dropped for the last few games, he had an instant impact for being back in the starting line up and was pivotal for us. Perason can't drop him, he is our best forward and is playing out of his skin.

Subs  

King - 6 - Didn't do a lot when he came on and didn't do anything wrong, neither good or bad.

Weimann - 6 - He was fair off the bench, had a couple of wasted opportunities and made the wrong pass once or twice. For whatever reason, he doesn't look a shadow of the player he was last season at present, and maybe he needs a rest.

Martin - 6 - Had one chance which he fluffed and we didn't really have much of the ball in the time he was on. 

Conway - 8 - Looked strong coming on for 8 minutes for Wells and was pivotal in holding the ball in the corner with Dasilva and for me even in his cameo emerged with credit and I would be inclined to start him with Wells at the weekend.

Kalas - 7 - Good reception off the bench and made a couple of neat challenges and clearances late on. It would be interesting to see what a Klose, Kalas and then either Vyner who I would be reluctant to drop or Atkinson back 3 works like. 

 

All in all a solid performance and I really enjoyed the evening and was surprised just how fine it was being in the home end, and actually being able to support the away team. No issues with other fans, most chatted to you and even complimented the team and the restaurant done lovely food, seats were great and really enjoyed the match.

Not something I could personally afford myself, but was very thankful for the opportunity. 

I thought City played well and got a deserved 3 pts, so well done Nige and the squad. 

Ironically the next game I will be able to go to is on Boxing Day against West Brom , so more of the same then please  

Edited October 20, 2022 by robinforlife2

[downendcity]

On 19/10/2022 at 08:01, TomF said:

Blimey, 6 months with Rudolph has not been kind to Keira Knightly has it?!

[Porto Red]

13 hours ago, robinforlife2 said:

Okay, I only got back late yesterday evening and couldn't log in from my mobile, but I really enjoyed the game on Tuesday night.

I have been very critical of the team, and more of Pearson, but things I wanted to see (Nahki back starting, Weimann dropped, Klose starting and Matty James back in the mix) all happened on one night.

I don't think we were brilliant, and I don't think West Brom were bad either.

I've rarely ever been in co-operate at a football match, but I was really surprised at West Brom. Despite leaving Dudley at 5pm, we didn't even get to the ground until 6.50! We were on the J2 roundabout for 45 minutes. Funnily enough, some 12-15yos on the back on two coaches (Bristol City ones) were throwing w-anchor signs at us, and lovely gestures, they do our fan base no favours. The Range Rover these little chavs were sending niceties to had 2 Bristol City fans in, and 2 West Brom fans in. I actually the driver must have said something to the little idiots as after jumping around and leaning up on seats for 3-4 minutes, they were suddenly quiet as mice! 

We did have a laugh about it, but some of fans do make themselves and the club look pathetic.

Once in the ground, we were in this nice restaurant. The food was lovely, Veg Soup followed by this Beef, Mash, Veg and Peppercorn gravy and then Sticky Toffee Pudding and Custard to finish.  At halt time there was Lamb Samosa's on the table and at full time Tea, Chocolates and biscuits.

The one thing that surprised me, was how the hospitality section welcomed Away fans as well as home fans, and there was no hostility at all. In fact my mates on my table tried to embarrass me when the announcer before the pre game chats, pointed out I was a City fan. There was another 2 tables of City fans as well.

Before the game we got to hear from Clive Whitehead and Jason Van Blerk who spoke about their history in the game, with some stories, before predictions for the match. Ex City player Whitehead gave a fair assessment, but as is the norm, both players suggested narrow home wins.

The game itself, we had nice comfy leather seats on the half way line and got a pretty good view of the match. The City fans seemed to have filled the away end and there was a good bit of noise from that area. The home support was notably quiet. I was trying not to be passionate and cheer on City knowing I was in the home end, albeit in cooperate and then noticed a few other clear City fans showing support for City and when Joe Williams scored even jumped up and cheered. There was no bother or response from the West Brom fans and this made me feel somewhat at ease. My friends, 2 of them West Brom fans were impressed by Alex Scott, Antoine Semenyo, Matty James and Nahki Wells, and from where we were sat, it looked like Nahki tripped over his feet when through on goal after 3 minutes. 

I thought that West Brom looked menacing going forward but every time they got to the edge of our area, there was no one in the box and every time they countered we often outnumbered them. We had clearly done a good job on them, but for me for all their enticing build up play, they offered little in the final third and I think that made us look better than we were.

From where we were sat, it looked as if it was a wonder strike of Semenyo's which nestled in the net (lack of replays after a goal on the scoreboard was annoying) but from the announcer, you could hear it was in fact a header from Nahki and then the replays inside showed this as well. 

One moment I thought was class in the first half, was West Brom dangerously went down the left and looked sure to break through on goal, but Nahki had sprinted back 50 yards to narrow it down, win the ball, fly in for another tackle and then clear it up field. Nahki was everywhere and linking up the play so well. It was nice to see the fans sound their appreciation for that excellent defensive move, which prevented a serious attack.

The second half was far from vintage, but whilst I would have liked to have seen us go forward for a 3rd, I think our only real chance came around 68 minutes, when Nahki put a wonderful ball through to Semenyo but his effort went over.

It was very much all West Brom in the second half as we soaked up pressure, but they offered very little. I was able to chat with West Brom fans around me, knowing I was a City fan and West Brom were unhappy with their team, but praised the way we were literally letting themselves burn out whilst offering little.

Near 70 minutes, West Brom should have scored, when a goal mouth scramble saw them hit the post, but again despite a lot of solid build up play they offered very little threat and didn't force Max into one single save. Their next chance came on 94 minutes, when they rattled the bar from a sublime effort from John Swift, and I wouldn't say we were undeserving of a clean sheet, but for all West Brom's build up play and possession, they may feel a shade hard done by not to have got one goal.

I thought Kalas looked solid when he made his brief cameo, and Weimann looked a bit off the pace when he came on. I was impressed with Dasilva, and Conway really slowing the game down at the end, showing strength to keep it in the West Brom half with frustrating thrown in after thrown in and not allowing West Brom out at all. They saw the game out well, and it was nice to see that Conway could have another type of impact off the bench.

Nigel rung the right changes pre match, ones the fans had called on for. It was frustrating we came out second half and defended rather than asserted, but he made the right chances subs wise and we held our shape well for a deserved and commanding 3pts. I congratulate Nige on getting it right, and putting out a team, I think a lot of the fans had wanted to see. I've been critical of him on occasions, but credits due where credits due, and he got it right at West Brom.

Team Ratings  

O'Leary - 7 - Not a lot to do, but commanded area well and nearly put Nahki through for a goal, solid performance.

Sykes  - 9 - Absolutely brilliant, won nearly every challenge in the first half, linked up play brilliantly and was a menace going forwards, put some decent balls in and was probably the best I have seen him play

Dasilva - 8 - For all the criticism he gets for me, he offers plenty and for someone of his stature, he is not afraid to get stuck in. Effective going forward, solid at the back and helped us see the game out well.

Klose - 9 - Solid leader at the back, calm and helped the defence out, barely lost a challenge in the air and showed why he should be our first choice centre back

Atkinson - 7 - Played well and done nothing wrong at all. But his contribution was not as heavy or noted as the others at the back. But a good performance

Vyner - 8 - I thought he was great, solid on the ground, some good clearances, a cheeky little nutmeg to clear, glimpses of skill and linked up brilliantly with James. By far our most improved player and is starting to look a rock solid centre back in this league. I thought he played very well.

James - 9 - Worked his socks off, and linked defence to midfield well. Often saw a pass which others didn't read. Tracked back and done very well. Was knackered when subbed, but showed why we had missed him.

Scott - 8 - Nice bits of trickery, solid on his feet, not afraid to get stuck in and offered so much going forward. West Brom didn't know how to deal with him and looks naturally gifted on the ball. I've been him play better, but there was nothing wrong with his performance and he was solid all game.

Williams - 9 - Pleased he got his goal, toe poke special and played very well. Stuck his neck out a few times and formed a good partnership with James and always looked composed. Very good performance. 

Semenyo - 8 - His finishing isn't always great, but he worked hard, got involved a lot and played in some nice balls. Him and Nahki linked up well and had 2 men on him most of the game. Probably should have made better of a couple of chances he had, but he caused them problems all night and helped get other players more space. I would like to see him in a Midfield/winger role as I think he has certain attributes which would be fruitful. 

Wells - 10 - MOTM - I thought he was fantastic, bar his 3rd minute moment where he should have at least worked the keeper, he was everywhere. Never stopped running, tracked back, intimidated their players all the time, won free kicks by winding up their defence. Often put some very good balls through, twice to Semenyo, once to Martin and netted himself, as well as also going close on another occasion. When he tracked back he got stuck in, won challenges and important every time we broke. He showed Tuesday night, it should be Wells and one other when it comes to selecting our strikers. The most natural striker we have and this was the first time I saw an all round game from him, rather than just that of a striker. The fans sounded their appreciation when he was subbed and he gave his all. Having been dropped for the last few games, he had an instant impact for being back in the starting line up and was pivotal for us. Perason can't drop him, he is our best forward and is playing out of his skin.

Subs  

King - 6 - Didn't do a lot when he came on and didn't do anything wrong, neither good or bad.

Weimann - 6 - He was fair off the bench, had a couple of wasted opportunities and made the wrong pass once or twice. For whatever reason, he doesn't look a shadow of the player he was last season at present, and maybe he needs a rest.

Martin - 6 - Had one chance which he fluffed and we didn't really have much of the ball in the time he was on. 

Conway - 8 - Looked strong coming on for 8 minutes for Wells and was pivotal in holding the ball in the corner with Dasilva and for me even in his cameo emerged with credit and I would be inclined to start him with Wells at the weekend.

Kalas - 7 - Good reception off the bench and made a couple of neat challenges and clearances late on. It would be interesting to see what a Klose, Kalas and then either Vyner who I would be reluctant to drop or Atkinson back 3 works like. 

 

All in all a solid performance and I really enjoyed the evening and was surprised just how fine it was being in the home end, and actually being able to support the away team. No issues with other fans, most chatted to you and even complimented the team and the restaurant done lovely food, seats were great and really enjoyed the match.

Not something I could personally afford myself, but was very thankful for the opportunity. 

I thought City played well and got a deserved 3 pts, so well done Nige and the squad. 

Ironically the next game I will be able to go to is on Boxing Day against West Brom , so more of the same then please  

That is some post, to be fair