MOORE LIKE IT, BAGGIES
Stand-in Darren shows Pardew how to pick up points.. but it’s looking too late
CARETAKER Darren Moore has shored up West Brom and got them winning.
Eight points in four games probably won’t be enough to beat the drop – but it’s as many as Alan Pardew won during his 18 games in charge.
A goal from Matt Phillips delayed West Brom’s likely relegation by clinching a win at sloppy Newcastle.
After eight years in the Premier League the Baggies are heading down, but not without a late rally.
They did their job at St James’ Park, winning to keep themselves alive at the final whistle. Moore said: “I am really delighted with the result – another solid performance, and solid result. I’m delighted to get a result like that.
“They showed team spirit, courage and determination. There’s no frustration I have not had longer in the role. I stepped in to fill it. We are just working and taking it a game at a time.
“There is nothing we can do about the past. We can wonder about ifs and buts, we just have to come together as a club.
“We just have to have positive training and performances. There is a trust and belief in the group. We have unity here.
“I am asking that to continue with the supporters. The only way to keep getting results its to keep that unity.
“We will look after West Brom and show or commitment to the club, focus on our own.”
Moore is earning himself a chance at landing the manager’s job permanently – although he is more likely to remain as a senior member of the coaching staff. He added: “Do I want the job? It is just the next game. That’s how I have approached it. Focus on the tough matches ahead. Whether fans feel I should get it... I will leave that to you guys.”
Moore’s side set about their task with a vigour lacking for most of the season. His side is well organised and they move the ball quickly. That tactic helped the Baggies net the winner in the 29th minute. Jake Livermore pounced on a sloppy touch from Mo Diame, cushioning a lovely ball behind the home defence.
Phillips raced into the box and smashed a volley past Martin Dubravka. Too
We can wonder about the past, but now we just have to come together as a club
little, too late, the away fans might feel, but Moore is trying to create some momentum.
Pardew’s departure came a few games too late.
Newcastle went close when Kenedy exchanged passes with Ayoze Perez, took the return on the chest and hit the post.
Dwight Gayle then flicked a header goalwards from Florian Lejeune’s nod, with Ben Foster clawing away with a strong hand.
But Rafa Benitez’s men were poor, all intensity and passion gone.
They may be safe already at St James’ Park but two defeats in a row and the Toon are in danger of a messy end to the season.
Islam Slimani escaped a red card when ref David Coote failed to see him kick Craig Dawson.
He now faces a threegame ban if he is punished retrospectively.
The incident was seen by Benitez, who looked exasperated by the incident. “Yes, it is frustrating,” he said.
“You don’t want to see these performances. Even when you are safe. We made too many mistakes, wrong decisions.
“Everything was wrong from the first minute. Now we have to finish well.”