Club News

Irvine satisfied with victory

Albion boss pleased with lucky break

ALAN Irvine felt Albion's good fortune was deserved after his Baggies side condemned Leicester City to their first home defeat of the campaign.


The Baggies claimed a victory thanks to Esteban Cambiasso's second-half own goal.

Irvine was pleased with the win, not least as he feels it justified his decision to make changes in Tuesday's Capital One Cup loss at Bournemouth.

Although Albion's winner had an air of luck about it, Irvine felt it was deserved.

"It was a difficult game at Leicester - but we knew that," he said.

"It was important we got something away from home. It's important to get clean sheets at places like Leicester where they make life difficult for opponents.

"The likes of Manchester United, Arsenal and Everton have come here and not got wins.
 
"Players who played at Bournemouth - and it could have gone to extra time - would have been tested in the final 15 minutes today. 

"I'm still hurting about what happened on Tuesday but had we played the same team we'd be risking having problems today. We needed players who were ready physically and mentally.

"We had a bit of luck today but the play in order to get that goal was good. 

"I will take as many of those as I can this season."

One of very few talking points in an otherwise low-key game was Marcin Wasilewski's challenge on Saido Berahino.

The Leicester defender appeared to strike Berahino with his arm as they challenged for the ball but Irvine played down the incident.

"I think he got a knock in the face but I didn't think it was malicious or intentional," he added.

"I've not seen the replay so it's difficult for me to comment but I just took it as a bit of contact in what used to be a physical game but is less physical these days."