 |
|
Robson: "I was pleased with the character of my players." |
BRYAN Robson handed the plaudits to
Liverpool as they chalked up a tenth successive league victory - but hailed his troops' character in defeat.
The Baggies boss admitted he was harbouring hopes of stealing a point against the third-placed Reds after Tomasz Kuszczak kept them at bay with a string of fine saves.
But Peter Crouch broke Albion's brave resistance with a 52nd-minute header which resulted in the Black Country club dropping a place in the table after Everton leapfrogged them into 16th spot with an injury-time winner at basement boys Sunderland.
"I was pleased with the character of my players," said Robson.
"There was a stage last season when, if we went 1-0 down like we did today, we might have lost 4-0.
"But the lads stayed in there and I thought it maybe could be our day, which is why I put a couple of forwards on towards the end.
"I was hoping Liverpool would get nervous and that we could nick a goal back but, to be fair to Liverpool, they kept on playing.
"Peter Crouch took his goal well.
"I can normally blame my defenders when we concede a goal but it was a great ball in and a terrific header by Crouch.
"Liverpool deserved the win but at one stage I thought it might be our day with Tomasz Kuszczak making some good saves."
The Baggies boss was disappointed his side gifted the European Champions possession too easily.
And he urged his side to bounce back from their Anfield reverse in the Hawthorns derby against Villa on Monday (ko noon).
"I thought all the back players played well," Robson added.
"But the reason we were under so much pressure was because our retention of the ball was so poor.
"It was similar to when we played Manchester United at Old Trafford.
"When we win the ball, we don't keep it and that's why so much pressure comes onto us.
"We have to improve on that.
"But our home performances of late have been very good.
"What we need to do is bounce back against Villa on Monday.
"If we can put another good performance in and beat Villa, I'm confident we can go on from there."
