Whatever you might say, that game was fantastically entertaining.
We had them completely on the rack for over an hour. After we scored West Brom looked physically and mentally shattered, but unfortunately it was us that tired. The sheer intensity of our play for that took them apart but the problem is what happens when the players can't match that any more.
I agree with Jock; Karanka waited too long for fresh legs. He allowed the game to slip away from us for ten minutes before he changes things, and when he finally did the team seemed to lose all shape and organisation.
Defence never gave me any confidence and I never mentally felt we were winning as I was just waiting for the sucker punch. West Brom were putting some right old bombs into that box and every set piece I was waiting for the collapse. Too much headless chicken defending and we are appalling at fullback. In contrast, I thought Pantillimon was superb; he collected so much in the air even though he had no shots to stop.
The forward play was streets ahead of anything we have seen in years. Balls were being played that took apart a very good west Brom defence. What was missing was getting it on target. 5 shots on target looks appalling, but of our 15 that were off target I would say a large number were very credible chances that just missed.
Grabban is a superb lone forward and his hold up play was something else. He did fluff a chance and was unlucky with others. On another day he would have had a hat trick and he will be exactly what we need.
Lolley needs to learn to shoot. He made great runs only to take the wrong option every time and pass to someone in a worse position rather than hit it.
Guedioura was outrageous. His near goal from the half way line nearly put the goal of the season to bed. He was exactly what we need in driving forward.
I thought Darikwa was poor. I would say he managed to be average defending but going forward I felt his deficiency was exposed by all the new players. He offered nothing. In possession he took forever just to pass back to the guy who gave him the ball, while west Brom would get everyone back. No penetration, no unpredictability, nothing. Osborn was better going forward but once again, the lad can't defend. Phillips was told to target him, as will every decent winger.
This is what PL side's do- they defend well and then exploit your one mistake and walk away with points. It's disappointing to lose the win, but you have to put those games to bed and in the future we will.
I really fear for Reading on Saturday. I don't see them coping with what we offered tonight