Chris Mepham praised Albion’s ability to show a different side to their game as they edged out Watford 1-0 on Saturday afternoon.
The Baggies claimed the Sky Bet Championship spoils after JJ Morgan’s first-half goal was combined with plenty of fight, resolute defending, and togetherness in a fiery Hawthorns contest.
Centre-back Mepham spoke to WBA TV after the win about getting his first league start since February, how the season has begun, and their hopes for the 2026/27 campaign.
WBA TV interview to follow shortly.
“I think it’s important when you get your nose in front to be resilient and have it in you to get over the line," said Chris. "Luckily, we managed to do that today.
“When you’re not at your best in this league, and you’re not going two or three up, like I said when you do get your nose in front you’ve got to show that other side of your game.
“The manager mentioned at full time in the dressing room that sometimes it’s nice to stand there on the side and it’s not the prettiest football but you’re seeing a team that’s sticking together.
“I think also a clean sheet is pleasing but on another day we would like to take a bit more pride in limiting them to even fewer opportunities.
“It was really pleasing to start, it’s obviously been a long time coming. I was trying to work out when the last home or league start was, and I dated it back to February.
“It feels like it’s been a long time so it’s really nice. Obviously where the manager has started with George (Campbell) and Nat (Phillips), naturally you’ve got to keep your standards high around the place.
“I’ve been in this position many times before and it can turn quickly. Your opportunity can be closer than you might think. I’ve had to bide my time a little bit and it’s nice that I’ve been able to come in today, give a good account of myself and keep a clean sheet.
“The whole team is going to be really important and I think fortunately we’ve got lads that are coming into the team who can maintain or better the standard. I’ll keep driving my own standards and hopefully as a team we’ll put a run together.
“It’s been a really good start. I don’t want to say we’ve overachieved because that would do a disservice to us. There’s probably some games already where we could have come out with even more points.
“But I think generally we’re happy with the start we’ve made. Even now, we’ve still got more levels to go and we’ve got really good squad depth which is important over the course of a season. Everyone is going to be relied on and hopefully we’ll carry that momentum and be in a good place come the international break.”
