West Brom head coach Eric Ramsay was delighted after his side put a tough week behind them to climb out of the Sky Bet Championship relegation zone thanks to a 0-0 draw at home to Stoke.
Albion have still yet to win in Ramsay’s first five games in charge but this performance was a considerable improvement seven days after losing 3-0 at Portsmouth.
The Welshman switched to four at the back and was rewarded with a strong defensive showing.
“It was hugely improved, and important we improved in the way we did,” said Ramsay after a game of few chances. “We had all the ingredients we wanted apart from the cutting edge.
“There was lots to be pleased with. We wanted to be a team who were hard to beat and did not do that over the first four games. The changes certainly helped. There were lots of components we will feel very positive about.
“There are always trade-offs when you change systems but there were more good than bad and the crowd responded. We showed some real bravery and personality.
“It was like watching a different team today and reflects on how well the players responded.
“It wasn’t spectacular but it was in a lot of ways what we needed. We didn’t create enough and have to do better but it was the response we needed – defensive resilience and a real show of unity between the players and the crowd.
“It wasn’t easy coming in last Monday to be critical. To get what we did today was pleasing. I will certainly sleep easy tonight.”
The one negative for West Brom was a hamstring injury suffered by Chris Mepham late in the game.
“I’ll have to cross my fingers as to the severity,” added Ramsay. “We will have to see until we get the info.”
West Brom gave a debut to Aston Villa loanee Jamaldeen Jimoh-Aloba, who had their best chance when his deflected effort was saved by Tommy Simkin just before the break.
Stoke debutant Jesurun Rak-Sakyi was denied by Mepham in the first half while substitute Million Manhoef forced Simkin to save late on.
Mark Robins’ side remain without a victory in the league since January 4 but are now just four points off the top six.
“They were difficult conditions and it was difficult to watch as well,” he said. “They’ve been struggling at the bottom and fighting for their lives.
“There were too many turnovers and both teams looked very nervy. We have plenty of work to do that’s for sure.
“We had some chances to score and they did too but we defended pretty well and they did not have anything on our goal.
“We have people coming back, we have a clean sheet – that’s 12 for the season – and we’ve gained a point on the top six.
“But if you can’t win, don’t lose, we keep a clean sheet and move on.
“That was the best West Brom have played in a while. They’ve tried to run about and get at us and they’ve got a clean sheet.”
