Yet defender knows Albion still not clear of danger
JONAS Olsson is under no illusions as to the importance of yesterday’s 1-0 victory at Norwich.
The centre-back returned from a two-match suspension to captain Albion to what were three huge points against their rivals in the battle to remain in the Barclays Premier League.
Success over the Canaries at Carrow Road lifted Pepe Mel’s side one place in the table to 16th and they now sit five points above the drop zone with five matches remaining for the majority of the teams around them.
“It was a massive result for us,” Olsson said.
“It’s a tough place to come. I thought we did enough, it wasn’t pretty maybe but we got the first goal which was important and then we defended well and got the three points.
“It’s dragged a few more teams into the relegation battle.
“We’re on the up, we have seven points from the last four games so we’re in good shape and we’re looking forward to the last six games.”
However, Olsson insists no-one in the Baggies dressing room is getting carried away after the win and everyone knows they must carry on and see the job right through until the end, with Tottenham up next at The Hawthorns next weekend.
“It takes some pressure off us, we’re still very much in it,” he added.
“But of course the games against teams in and around you in the table, the six-pointers, are very important and when we can win away then that’s a big ask at this time of the season.
“We’re very happy and I thought we did what we spoke about before the game. We followed our game plan very well.”
Morgan Amalfitano grabbed the crucial matchwinner with just 16 minutes on the clock, his second goal in as many games since returning from injury.
Yet just as impressive was Albion’s ability to remain strong at the other end and keep out a Norwich side desperate for the points themselves on home soil.
Olsson was at the heart of that solid defensive display, one which secured Albion’s first clean sheet since a 1-0 win at Newcastle on New Year’s Day.
“It’s always pleasing as a defender when you keep a clean sheet,” Olsson said.
“The more important thing is the three points, of course, but if you keep clean sheets then it’s easier to do that.”