And Clarke sees positives in harsh opening-day defeat
STEVE Clarke has no fears the goals will come for his side after drawing a blank in their opening-day 1-0 defeat by Southampton.The Baggies boss also insists his men showed enough against the Saints to suggest they will be ‘competitive’ in the Barclays Premier League for a fourth successive season.
James Morrison was unfortunate not to score in the 66th minute when Calum Chambers made a goal-saving block inside the six-yard box and Artur Boruc pulled off a wonder save in the dying moment to keep out Billy Jones’ header.
Unfortunately, Rickie Lambert’s penalty winner came in between on what proved a frustrating start to the campaign.
“It’s only the first game of the season and it looked like being a 0-0,” said Clarke.
“I don’t think we’ll struggle to score goals.
“I thought Southampton defended well today.
“We created two or three good opportunities in the second half.
“Boruc made an unbelievable save at the end.
“James Morrison looked as if he was going to score and the defender managed to block it on the six-yard line.
“We will create chances – but today wasn’t our day.
“I think we showed enough today to show we’re going to be competitive again in the Premier League.
“The big decision went against us today and that’s a little bit disappointing - and obviously sore to take.”