JAKE Livermore admitted Albion’s dressing room on Saturday savoured the three points but not the performance.
Captain for the day at Preston, Livermore revealed that the Baggies delight at claiming three points which took them top of the Championship was tempered by the unanimous view that Darren Moore’s squad is still short of its full potential.
That will be great news for Albion fans who have seen their free-scoring team establish themselves among the early front-runners for what would be an instant return to the Premier League.
But the knowledge that the Championship marathon is only just underway and the team is still short of what the dressing room believes it can deliver brought a measured assessment from Livermore following the 3-2 victory.
“Most importantly it was a massive three points but we know within ourselves there’s a lot more to come from us,” he said.
“This team has more to offer. Our mission today was to come out and get the three points. But we probably played better in the opening game of the season against Bolton and came away with nothing. It’s good we’re finding ways to win games now. So credit to the boys and the coaching staff and it was fantastic to get the win.
“We’re under no illusions this season we’re going to face teams who make it difficult for us to come and play. We may have to adapt the way we play but the most important thing is we come away with a win. By no means were we at our best but the main thing is the result and all in all it was a good day’s work.”
Livermore relished wearing the captain’s armband and responded by adding another to the list of impressive midfield displays he has turned in this season.
He said: “I enjoy every occasion. I love it. I'm enjoying my football this year and the lads are together. We’re all leaders out there regardless of who is wearing the armband.
“The boys have really bought into it really since the gaffer took over but more so this season. We’re creating a style which may need people to bear with us and bear with each other but the end goal is to get forward and get promoted.
“And it’s a pleasure to play with these front players. They’ve been fantastic to play with this season. They give us options, they give us runs and it’s our job to find them.”
Livermore also felt there was another key factor in the victory.
“Yeah when we came out from the tunnel and we faced the fans they were brilliant - credit to them. Safe journey back - we’re going to need them this season.”