Club News

Pulis on win over Hammers and impressive Chadli

Baggies on seven points from opening five matches

HEAD coach Tony Pulis reacted to Albion's pulsating 4-2 victory over West Ham United at The Hawthorns yesterday.

The Baggies flew out of the blocks and led 3-0 at half-time thanks to a penalty from home debutant Nacer Chadli and further strikes from Salomon Rondon and James McClean.

Chadli, who claimed two assists in the Premier League encounter, added a fourth after the break before the Hammers pulled back two goals courtesy of Michail Antonio and Manuel Lanzini.

Yet it was Albion who emerged victorious from the six-goal thriller to record their first home victory of the campaign.

Pulis' thoughts on the game...
"I thought we played well in the second half at Bournemouth, the difference is that we've won here and at Bournemouth we didn't.
"Irrespective of what people say, there's a perception about things and if you're losing games then that perception grows.
"The lads have been good this week, they've worked hard, there's nothing different for me.
"I'm an experienced manager and you don't get too carried away when you lose or if people are moaning and groaning or if you win and you get the plaudits.
"It's just about keeping your feet firmly on the ground and making sure you're focused. That keeps the group focused then."

On Chadli...
"He's a player who can see a pass. He's got two here and we think he'll score goals.
"That's been our Achilles heel since Saido's had all the ups and downs.
"We've not really had anyone else alongside Salomon who can score but Chadli has shown here with the penalty and the second goal, he's not only got the ability to score goals but he can create them as well.
"His second goal was a good counter-attack, Chadli has shown a great turn of pace to catch Salomon up - I think he was 15 yards behind Salomon, who has done well to play the right pass as well at the right time."

On West Ham...
"West Ham are a good side. We allowed them to have possession in certain areas because we thought we could counter-attack and work the ball in areas that they vacate when they have a lot of possession.
"It's worked well. They came here last year and gave us a spanking, they were very good and they've got good players."

On being eighth in the Premier League...
"Yeah, but we've only played five games. The season hasn't started yet."