And boss explains late Mulumbu drama in Chelsea win
STEVE Clarke praised his men for continuing to find the answers to the tough questions he keeps posing them.Saturday’s memorable victory over European champions Chelsea has lifted the Baggies to the heady heights of fourth in the Barclays Premier League after 12 games, just five points off league leaders Manchester City.
And the Hawthorns boss is impressed his players are showing no signs of resting on their laurels.
Clarke said: “Before this game I asked them a little question.
“I said: 'The good start's over; now can we build on it?'
“They gave me a really good answer.
“Over the last few weeks we've been getting a little bit of praise.
“People have been starting to notice us a little bit.
“Within the building we'll work really hard to make sure the players keep their feet on the ground.
“Although, I don't really have any concerns about that because they're a good group and know what we're trying to achieve, that we have to take it step by step and not get carried away.”
The Albion chief revealed how his team had to virtually play with ten men during the closing stages of the win over Roberto Di Matteo’s Blues.
Youssouf Mulumbu was forced to struggle on with cramp in his hamstring as all three Baggies substitutions had been made.
Clarke added: “You saw towards the end, it was getting more and more difficult for us, Mulumbu had seized up with cramp, so we were down to ten men but we defended for our lives.
“I'd just asked Youssouf, five minutes earlier, when I was making the last change, if he was okay.
“He gave me the thumbs up.
“I won't be taking to much notice of him in the future!
“It was cramp in one of his hamstrings.
“I started moving him around the pitch to find a position where he could stand. He ended up in front of me.
“We got away with it.”