And keeper says he had no chance with spot-on Lambert penalty
BEN Foster insists Albion must stick to their guns following Saturday’s opening-day 1-0 defeat by Southampton at The Hawthorns.
The England international, who had little to do throughout the game, came desperately close to saving Rickie Lambert’s 90th-minute penalty winner – having dived the right way.
The Baggies went into the game on the back of five pre-season friendly victories – but were unable to replicate that form against the Saints.
And the 30-year-old keeper believes there is no reason to panic after one game – admitting, the visitors were the better side on the day.
“I don’t think we played particularly well,” said Foster.
“If you contrast this to the start we had last year when we won 3-0 at home to Liverpool, losing in the 90th minute is sickening.
“We were a bit out of sorts on Saturday, which isn’t really like us.
“Pre-season has gone fantastically and we have looked lively.
“Maybe Southampton, with their work-rate and tempo made us a little bit anxious.
“But we have to trust ourselves.
“We must keep doing what we are doing.
“There's no panic.
“There are no lingering worries in our dressing-room about how it might go this season.
“We didn't show it on Saturday, but we will stick with what we do.
"We have belief in ourselves.
“The anxiety of the first game of the season maybe meant the lads were a bit hesitant to express themselves as they did in pre-season.”
Foster famously helped Manchester United win the 2009 Carling Cup final by viewing videos of Tottenham players on his iPod moments before a penalty shootout.
And Albion’s No.1 admits he was fully briefed on Lambert by goalkeeping coach Dean Kiely – but was still unable to stop his new England colleague.
“I spoke with Dean Kiely before the game and we looked at a few of his penalties,” added Foster.
“We both agreed that going that way was probably the best option.
“He hit it that well it went in like a hurricane.
“You know it's coming but there's so little you can do about it.
“I've gone early as well - but he has knocked it in the bottom corner.
“You have to hold your hands up and say: 'Fair play.'
“We looked at it and four out of his last five have gone in that corner.
“With it being the first game of the season and in the last minute, he's going to go with what he feels the most confident with.
“As I've landed I've heard it hit the post but it's gone in the back of the net.”