WBA manager Sam Allardyce has yet to be relegated from the premier league in his lengthy managerial career. Currently sitting 19th in the table, Allardyce and West Bromwich Albion are nine points from safety with a -35 goal difference. With twelve games remaining Allardyce certainly has a lot of work to do.
WBA 1 – 0 BRIGHTON (BARTLEY 11′)
The baggies secured a huge three points as they beat Brighton at the Hawthorns 1-0 last saturday. It was not without a slice of luck however, a slice of luck they certainly needed.
Brighton missed two penalties in either half and had a controversial goal disallowed by referee Lee Mason. Kyle Bartley’s early headed goal was enough for the home side to grab the desired three points.
The win saw Albion move to 17 points with 26 games played. No team with less than 20 points at this stage in a Premier League season has ever stayed up. Records are there to be broken and to stay up from here would be an inredible achievement.
Two more home games to follow for Allardyce with former sides Everton and Newcastle visiting within the space of four days. For Allardyce these next two games are must wins especially with Newcastle in miserable form and games running out.
Relegation Battle intensifies
With Sheffield United all but down, Fulham and West Brom have their eyes firmly fixed on those above them. All of; Newcastle, Brighton and Burnley will be silently looking over their shoulder anxiously as the pressure piles on.
Fulham who sit six points above Albion and with a better goal differnce certainly have a greater chance of survival. The Cottagers in 18th are only three points behind both Newcastle and Brighton. Fulham without a doubt have a harder run in with dates against each of the so called big six to come.
With one win in five, Allardyce and WBA must have a change in fortunes to avoid returninig to the Championship. A team known for yo-yoing between the top two divisions. If their was one man to save them it would be Allardyce, but is it too late for the Baggies?
