RACIC IN CALL FOR SET-PIECE RESISTANCE
Egyptian star and Wolves fanatic Morsy bags Wigan winner.. but insists Bilic’s boys will go up
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LUCA RACIC has told his Brentford team-mates to forget about promotion until they sort out their set-piece problems.
The Danish defender netted his first senior goal as Brentford soared into a two-goal lead before unravelling to extend their winless run to five matches.
The Bees have conceded two goals from dead-ball situations in a week to take their tally to 12 for the season, and Racic has urged his men to toughen up if they want to salvage their promotion bid.
“It’s so disappointing to give away a two-goal lead, especially from a defender’s point of view,” he said.
“The second one, from the long throw, is such an annoying goal to concede while the first one came from a counter-attack, which is also sloppy.
“We just have to get rid of these sloppy goals and then we will get back to winning ways.”
Racic calmly side-footed the Bees in front before Bryan Mbeumo’s pinpoint free-kick (above) put them on course to end their miserable run.
But Junior Hoilett headed in at the back post following a rapid counterattack before Joe Ralls punished some passive defending to nod home in the back post from a Will Vaulks long throw.
Hoilett reckons Cardiff showed they have the fight to stay in the play-off race, saying: “We still have to play teams ahead of us and they’ll be decisive games.”
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MATCH-WINNER Sam Morsy admitted it was extra special to shoot down West Brom as a lifelong Wolves fan.
But Wigan’s captain insists he still expects Slaven Bilic’s Baggies to go up and join Wolves in the Premier League.
Morsy sealed a shock but deserved win for Wigan at the Championship leaders with a rasping 73rd-minute finish.
Victory was Wigan’s third on the bounce and lifted them out of the drop zone for the first time in three months. It was also extra special for midfielder Morsy as he celebrated his third of the season in front of the 978 away fans.
The Egyptian international, who was on Wolves’ books as a kid, said: “It was brilliant, we beat them last season at home as well,
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to the delight of friends and family who are all big Wolves fans.
“This is the game I look for, Albion away. I am a Wolves fan who watched them for years and enjoyed the rivalry with Albion.
“I used to go home and away. But I genuinely hope Albion go up to see the derbies again. I really enjoy that. I think they will be in the Premier League next season.”
Morsy and fellow midfielder Joe Williams played a vital role to shackle West Brom’s Brazilian dangerman Matheus Pereira.
Paul Cook’s side could have won more comfortably as they also hit the post and Jamal Lowe was denied by keeper Sam Johnstone late on.
Morsy added: “We have played well this season without getting the results, which can be demoralising and demotivating.
“But if you believe in what you do, you have to keep going and be more clinical. Each player has to step up, which is what we have done. We actually thought we would win because the team spirit is brilliant. You come here and you can change tactics but the gaffer was really brave with his team. We just went and had a real go.”
Albion boss Bilic lamented his side’s lame display but consoled himself with having another game tomorrow against Newcastle in the FA Cup fifth round. But the Hawthorns boss made it clear promotion is the priority this season.
“You can’t say we were unlucky. A draw might’ve been a fair result, but if you don’t win these games you must make sure you don’t lose them,” he said. “We conceded a goal from a set-piece and that was pretty much that. The FA Cup game is a massive game but, when I say we have to bounce back, it is against Swansea on Saturday.” WEST BROM:
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