Baggies lose relegation battle after defeat to Liverpool

West Bromwich Albion’s battle for Premiership survival was finally brought to an end yesterday as they suffered a 2-0 home defeat at the hands of Liverpool. It is to their credit that a battle that seemed to be lost many weeks ago was still alive and kicking at 1.30pm yesterday, after a series of good recent results had left Baggies fans wondering if the impossible was in-fact possible.

But dreams of an even greater escape of that a few years ago were ended by a 2-0 Liverpool victory, in a game that was not without controversy.  A seemingly stonewall penalty early in the second half would have seen the score levelled at 1-1, but in a bitter twist of fate the not given decision was momentarily followed by Liverpool’s second. 

The fans put on an amazing display of support for manager and team alike.  Liverpool’s goal celebrations drowned out by a sea of noise as ‘the lord’s my shepherd’ rang out around the Hawthorns.  Time to see what bounce-back-ability The Baggies have. 

Mowbray remains ever the optimist.  The show of support from fans yesterday and plans for next weeks away day at Blackburn during which thousands of Albion fans will wear Tony Mowbray masks, makes it unlikely that any decision to part company with the club will be made. 

Mowbray believes that the club has the resources to bounce straight back up.  No debt means not having to sell players, so how much of the current squad the gaffer gets to keep looks set to be decided by the inevitable drop in wages and poachers from other clubs. 

Despite the relegation Mowbray believes his side are stronger now than they have ever been, and the season experience in the Premiership will prove vital to next seasons campaign.