Albion goalkeeper Max O’Leary says his side’s opening day victory over Norwich City came as a result of togetherness and determination.
James Morrison’s Baggies got off to a fantastic start in the Sky Bet Championship with a 2-1 win at Carrow Road.
Aune Heggebø and Jimmy-Jay Morgan each scored in the second half to put Albion 2-0 up before the hosts pulled one back late on.
However, the platform to take the lead was built on solid defensive foundations, with Max pulling off a host of great saves throughout the afternoon.
The stopper said: "It's been a long pre-season, but that's where your hard work pays off for moments like Saturday.
“We stuck at it right to the end. It was disappointing to concede right at the end and make it hard for ourselves, but fortunately, we showed a bit of what we brought to games last season by digging in and getting the win.
“I’d say overall we did deserve it. We probably conceded too many chances for our liking, but at the end of the day it’s about the team effort. We just wanted to win and get off to a good start, and we did that.
“I think if you asked anyone in the squad, they’d say we want to be hard to beat and have a good group. You could see that all the subs who came on impacted the game and everyone played their part. It’s not just the 11 who started, it’s the whole squad and all the staff and everyone behind the scenes – we're all pulling in the same direction and hopefully that can continue for as long as possible.
“It’s about taking it game-by-game and building momentum.”
Not only did the shot-stopper contribute to the victory with crucial saves, he also provided an assist for Jimmy-Jay Morgan’s strike.
“I saw a bit of space for Jimmy and he did the rest. To be honest he did most of the work but I’m happy to have helped!
“He took his goal well and I thought he worked really hard. His work off the ball also came to fruition and he got his goal.
“That goes for Aune Heggebo too, he always gives 100 per cent and he’s a great lad. I think he deserved that goal. He may not have got as many in pre-season as he would have liked, but if he’s scoring in the league, that’s perfect.”
Max was also full of praise for the defenders in front of him, including starting centre-back pair Nat Phillips and new captain George Campbell.
The duo were instrumental in keeping Norwich at bay for the majority of the match, putting their bodies on the line throughout.
O'Leary added: “Norwich had quite a few set-pieces, but I think we did well dealing with their chances. Defenders’ blocks are always nice because it means the ball isn’t getting to you, which makes life easier!
“Nat gets in the way of things that he shouldn’t have any right to,” Max said with a smile. “He’s a great defender along with George Campbell and the whole unit.
“It’s a good partnership he’s got with Nat Phillips, which they’ve continued from last season. We also have great depth with Krystian Bielik and Chris Mepham. We’ve got such strong options in that department, so you know anyone who comes into that position is going to do a quality job.”
