We discuss Rondon, Clattenburg, Foster and more, following West Bromwich Albion’s 2-1 win over Bournemouth.
1) Foster saves the day
It felt fitting that Roy Hodgson – the man who brought Ben Foster to The Hawthorns back in 2011 – was in attendance to watch the West Bromwich Albion goalkeeper rescue all three points with two fine saves in the dying moments of the game.
At the other end of the pitch, Artur Boruc’s woeful attempted punch gifted Albion the lead and condemned Bournemouth to their fifth defeat in six league games. It was another reminder of how lucky West Brom are to have a match-saving ‘keeper of Foster’s quality.
2) Rondon frustrations continue
On days like yesterday, it is hard to tell whether Salomon Rondon played well or not. The Venezuelan did his usually tireless job, but looked just as frustrated as some supporters at his inability to turn that energy into goal-scoring opportunities.
Bournemouth centre-back Steve Cook matched Rondon physically, although he was lucky to escape punishment for a barge on the forward. While, inexperienced – and out-of-position – defender Tyrone Mings looked terrified whenever he was left one-on-one with Rondon.
Another tough battle awaits Rondon next week, with Crystal Palace centre-back’s Scott Dann and Mamadou Sakho ready to build on their clean sheet against Middlesbrough. It is time for Rondon to bring an end to his goalless start to 2017.
3) Hawthorns send-off for Clattenburg
West Brom fans gave referee Mark Clattenburg a ‘warm’ reception on what will surely be his final game officiating at The Hawthorns.
After agreeing a big-money move to Saudi Arabian football, Clattenburg found he was the centre of attention once again after awarding the visitors a penalty within the first five minutes. Clattenburg had no shortage of big decisions to make and – on reflection – he was spot on with all of them.
It might be too soon for some Albion fans to admit, but the Premier League will be worse off without one of their finest referees.
4) Bad memories vanquished
The last meeting between these two sides ended in the travelling West Brom supporters voicing their discontent with Tony Pulis’s brand of football. That day, Albion looked void of ideas after going a goal behind to Callum Wilson’s cheeky flick, leaving a distinctly bitter taste on the journey home.
Six months later, Pulis’s name was chanted throughout by the home supporters as his team came back from a goal behind to finish off Bournemouth in style. The transformation in Pulis’ side has been nothing short of remarkable, and the Welshman deserves tremendous credit for that.
If this week in football has taught us anything, it is that patience and loyalty in football are dying principles. With his fine turnaround Pulis has certainly earned ours.
5) 40 points – what’s next?
Cheekily or not, Albion fans sang about a ‘European tour’ on the final whistle against Bournemouth. Now that Pulis’s side have reached the magic 40-point mark they can begin to look up the Premier League table rather than down.
The next target will surely be to better the Baggies’ record Premier League points tally of 49. Beyond that, securing a top-half finish and keeping up with an in-form Everton side seem like sensible targets to set.
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