And boss relishing chance to take another big scalp
STEVE Clarke has heaped praise on the club for providing him with the ammunition to sink champions Manchester United - as he relishes the chance to take another scalp in the form of table-topping Arsenal on Sunday (ko 4pm).
The Baggies drafted in record signing Stephane Sessegnon, Victor Anichebe and loan star Morgan Amalfitano on trasfer deadline day.
All three played starring roles in Saturday's sensational 2-1 win at Old Trafford - and since the window shut at the beginning of September the Baggies' fortunes have hit an upward curve to lift them up to tenth spot.
“I said at the time we needed some help," said Clarke.
“After Saturday’s game – I think it’s been lost among all the quotes that have been out – I praised the club.
“Because I asked for players and they brought me three good ones on deadline day.
“So the club should give itself a little pat on the back as well."
He added: "It's been a better month than August was, that's for sure, with seven points from nine from difficult games.
“We all feel a little bit better in ourselves.
"The three points at Old Trafford was great. It's great for confidence. It's great for the group going ahead.
"But really all it does is repair some of the damage we inflicted in the first week."
The Baggies now host a Gunners outfit, who have won all five of their Barclays Premier League games since losing 3-1 at home to Villa on the opening day of the campaign, in front of the live TV cameras.
"We have a nice 'easy' one this week - the current in-form team," quipped Clarke.
"It's another game to look forward.
"I said to people after Fulham that these are the games we have to relish.
"As a professional these are the games you want.
"You want to pit your wits against the best players.
"You want to show that you deserve to be on the same pitch as these players.
We did that on Saturday - but that's gone. It's history.
"We have three points for our efforts and now we have to do it again this week."