Swansea City 1-2 West Bromwich Albion. That was big. Time will tell just how big Youssouf Mulumbu’s goal will be for Pepe Mel. Is this the start of something knew is it just slowing down an already sinking ship? We shall see.
One thing is for sure, Pepe Mel will look into the Hull game with a lot more positivity than others, after securing his first Barclays Premier League win. But, in fact, the performance from The Baggies was similar to most under Mel’s short stint as manager. A half-hearted first half performance followed up by an inspired second half.
With Albion fans looking into the next four games with so much optimism and encouragement for the players, they were instantly silenced when Roland Lamah put The Swans ahead in only the second minute. The on-loan Belgian midfielder exposed the space behind Steven Reid before cutting back and slotting the ball, leaving everyone connected the WBA wondering how many times Albion’s defence would be breached throughout the game.
The Baggies were lucky to go in at the breaking having only conceded once. The Albion came out with a new sense of life in the opening moments of the second half. Stephane Sessegnon sent The Albion on their way on the 52nd minute when his right-footed shot powered past Michel Vorm right in front of the away end to send the away fans into delirium.
And then came that special moment. Youssouf Mulumbu picked up possession and as he strolled Vorm’s goal, he was invited to shoot as the Swansea defence just backed away from the midfielder. He did not need asking twice as he showed wonderful composure to stroke the ball in off the post.
The three points mean that Albion move up to 16th and drag Swansea right back into the mix sitting just one point better off. A massive three point for The Baggies as they enter a run of three vital games against relegation rivals Hull, Cardiff and Norwich.
AlBION IN A WORD: RELIEVED
LAST TIME OUT