Solid start for Albion

[Coops]

West Bromwich Albion secured a creditable point after a 0-0 draw on the opening day of the Premiership season at the City of Manchester Stadium in front of 42,983.

Both Albion, who gave debuts to three summer signings, Chris Kirkland, Steve Watson and Diomansy Kamara (both subs) and their opening day opponents Manchester City failed to convert good opportunities in a game where both Albion's on loan keeper Chris Kirkland and Manchester City's England international David James pulled off a series of excellent saves.

Albion's best two chances fell to Zoltan Gera and captain Kevin Campbell. Gera failed to convert a close range header in the first half and Campbell had his shot blocked by City keeper David James when one on one.

However, it was Chris Kirkland who excelled for Albion. The 24 year old keeper produced impressive saves from an Andrew Cole header and two Joey Barton shots to help Albion claim a confidence boasting clean sheet.

The distribution of chances reflected the balanced nature of the game and although both sides will be disappointed in not converting goal scoring opportunities when on top, Albion will be glad to get off the points mark with a solid performance and result away from home.

Meantime, Albion chairman Jeremy Peace has confirmed the club has now agreed the terms of payment for the transfer of Nathan Ellington. "The Duke" is expected to be officially unveiled as an Albion player on Monday, with Bryan Robson also hoping to add a foreign based center half to the Baggies squad before the opening Premiership game at the Hawthorns, against Portsmouth in seven days time.

West Brom: Kirkland, Albrechtsen, Gaardsoe, Clement, Robinson, Greening (Watson 80), Wallwork (Chaplow 90), Inamoto, Gera, Campbell, Kanu (Kamara 60).
Subs Not Used: Earnshaw, Kuszczak.

[Trevmitchell]

 

A good run out for the team, and a good point against a side predicted to finish in the top half of the table.  All credit to Barny and co, we still need a lethal finisher I hope "Duke" is the one to do it.

[Wallaby]

Just watched the game on Football First.

Not a bad performance, and certainly much better than our start last year.
Kirkland looked very sharp and will clearly be enhancing his England prospects if he regularly plays this well.  The defence were basically pretty solid except for one schoolboy howler from Gaardsoe - he was honest enough to look truly mortified afterwards...

Our competitiveness in midfield looked fine and the two central midfielders seemed to get through plenty of work screening the defense.  I suspect we will be a harder team to score against this season.  Interesting though to see that the speed of transition (yes that word again...) was less than when Richardson was on board.

The attack worked quite well as a unit but did lack speed of movement when Cambell and Kanu were paired.  Predictably the best chance came from a midfielder (Gera).   I was surprised that Earnshaw was not given a chance to grab a goal as a substitute for the last 30 minutes.

Overall a decent first outing - I would love us to get the tag "hard to beat" and maybe, just maybe this was the first installment in achieving it.

[cebu]

I confess to falling asleep during the West Ham-Blackburn game, so missed our game which followed at midnight delayed live.

Surprise line up - no place even on the bench for Carter or Johnson. Then again, we do have plenty of competition for places at the moment.

How did Inamoto play?

Good to see Campbell play the full 90, but surely this can't happen too often. I know I've said previously that I think Robbo will keep hold of Earnie once the Duke signs, he must be wondering how he will ever get a game. We do need strength and depth in all areas, but I hope Robbo can keep his fringe players motivated.

How was Kanu?

Good to hear that Kirkland played well. Obviously the shirt is his for the time being.

All in all, I'm happy with the point away from home and a clean sheet. Onwards and upwards from here on...

[Wallaby]

Inamoto had a reasonable game.  Not spectacular, but then that is his style.  Looked solid and for a first premiership start for Albion that is about all you can ask...

Kanu looked OK, but he needs a fast runner to bring out the best in him.  I will be very interested to see Kanu and Ellington...

[robw]

I only saw MOTD so that mainly concentrated on Kirkland! Some of his saves I felel we would have seen in the back of the net last season - long may it continue (but only if Kuscack stays after Kirks loan spell is up ;-))

It amazed me the see Kamara booked - the commentery never once mentioned him - the only reason I knew Ina was playing was cos I recognised his hair!!!! The only west brom players that seemed to be mentioned were Gera, Campbell, Kirkland and Gaardsoe.......

Well its 1 point - I think at the end of last season gera (and or Campbell) would have put their chances away - I gues sthey lack just the last 2% match sharpness thats hould come over the next week.....

[davestat]

If Kirkland's post-match comments are to be believed we could have him permanently.  My man of the match without a doubt; without him we'd have lost.

As it was we deserved the draw and could even have nicked it with better finishing; how about Earnie and Ellington together?