And boss glad to see striker turn Baggies' fortunes around again
PEPE Mel revealed only a shortage of training time due to injury prevented him from starting Victor Anichebe in today’s 1-1 draw with Fulham.
The Baggies boss was forced to start with Saido Berahino and Thievy in attack.
But when Billy Jones limped out of the action in the 43rd minute, with the Baggies 1-0 down, he brought on Anichebe.
And, following a half-time switch from a 4-4-2 to a 4-3-3 formation and the introduction of Zoltan Gera for Thievy, the former Everton striker produced another game-changing performance.
After his late equaliser against Chelsea he this time turned provider for fellow sub Matej Vydra’s leveller against the Cottagers.
Mel said: “The problem with Anichebe is during the last three days in Spain he couldn’t work because he was injured – and also the first day back in England.
“And it is only for this reason I preferred Thievy or Berahino.”