Club News

Olsson: I'm very proud

And defender praises Clarke's attacking endeavour

JONAS Olsson says he is proud to have been involved in Albion's first win at Old Trafford in a generation - insisting Steve Clarke's side got the result their ambition deserved. 

The Sweden international, who soldiered through the game after receiving treatment to a gash above his right eye in the 28th minute, was born five years after the Baggies' last win at the Theatre of Dreams in December 1978.

And he believes Albion had to be at their best to beat the reigning Barclays Premier League champions in front of their home fans. 

"It was a great game for us from the first minute," said Olsson.

"I'm very proud.

"It's a tough place to come, probably the toughest away game in the league.

"We played well.

"In the first half there was a little more focus on defending.

"In the second half we went for it a little bit and we're not going to apologise for taking three points.

"We knew they would be eager to attack in the second half and that opened up some space for us.

"People are always going to be a little surprised if we win at Old Trafford but, if you believe in yourselves, anything is possible.

"We have some really good players and we showed last season that if we have a really good day we can beat the best teams in the league.

"To win at United everything has to be 100 per cent.

"I think it was for us.

"We knew it was going to be tough but we went into the game with the ambition to get a result. 

"I felt we built some momentum and when we made it 2-1 we all felt we deserved the lead."

The 6ft4in centre-half praised head coach Clarke for having the endeavour to attack David Moyes' side throughout yesterday's historic win. 

"The quality I like most about Steve Clarke is that he likes to attack," added Olsson.

"He sees us as a good team and we have respect for big teams like Manchester United.

"But we know on a good day we can pull off a result like this one.

"The gaffer has told us that since day one."