Club News

Irvine backs duo to bounce back

Defensive mistakes prove costly against Toffees

ALAN Irvine admitted Jonas Olsson and Ben Foster were “devastated” after their costly errors against Everton but has backed the usually reliable pair to bounce straight back.

Olsson’s miscued clearance after just two minutes found Romelu Lukaku and he punished the Baggies with a superb finish.

And despite the hosts dominating possession after that, the visitors took a two-goal lead when Kevin Mirallas’ shot squirmed under the body of Albion ‘keeper Foster.

It was enough to ensure the Toffees claimed a 2-0 victory at The Hawthorns.

Irvine said: “Obviously you’re talking about two international players, two proven Premier League players and they normally don’t make those kind of mistakes. 

“For us to make one, let alone two in one game is unusual. 

“These are lads who are generally very, very consistent in their performances and good players.

“They’re devastated about the goals. Mistakes happen, we just have to accept that and move on. 

“They certainly didn’t mean to make those mistakes, that’s for sure, and they’re devastated at this moment. They’ll be hurting for the next few days I would expect.”

Having conceded early on against Sunderland and Swansea, Irvine admitted his charges “got off to the worst possible start again”.

Yet despite the early setback it was Albion who bossed proceedings for the opening hour, albeit without boasting that killer instinct in the final third.

It was a point not lost on Irvine, who agreed that his charges lacked the required quality and cutting edge in front of goal. 

And the Scot shared the frustration of the home fans at the full-time whistle.

“I understand it. We’re all frustrated,” he said.

“We all came here hoping we would put on a really good performance and get a really good result. 

“I can understand the fans are frustrated and disappointed because that’s how I feel and it’s how the players feel as well. 

“We know that for a fair part of the game we were playing well and individual errors have cost them dear. 

“We know how important it is to win Premier games and we will only do so without making those kind of mistakes.”