A delighted Ryan Mason described Albion’s win at Stoke City on Saturday lunchtime as a “perfect away performance”.
The Baggies beat the Potters 1-0 at the bet365 Stadium thanks to Nat Phillips’ first-half finish from the edge of the six-yard box, meaning Mason’s men have collected 10 points from the first 12 on offer and remain unbeaten in the Sky Bet Championship.
Hosts Stoke pushed for a leveller in the second period, but the Albion defended resolutely and could’ve killed the game off when chances opened up at the opposite end.
The boss believes there was a real team effort on display and admitted he watched on with pride from the stands.
He said: “That’s absolutely a deserved win today in my opinion. I thought it was a perfect away performance.
“We showed so much personality and so much grit, as well as quality.
“We scored a good goal from a set-play and we could’ve had more from set-plays. We had a few openings as well.
“I’m really pleased with the performance from the boys and it was an incredible effort from the coaching staff too. It’s been a good day for us.
“When you win games it gives you that feeling of positivity. I thought the fans were incredible today, I really did. We’ve really felt them in both away games and they’ve certainly helped the players.
“We’re determined to stay humble, keep working hard and keep pushing. We know the demands of this league are extremely tough, but at the same time, you have to appreciate the start we’ve made has been positive and hopefully that will accelerate belief. We’re certainly going to be pushing in the next few weeks.
“It was disappointing that I wasn’t on the touchline, but I knew we had members of staff that fully believe in what we’re doing. That message is getting transferred daily from everyone. Massive credit to them and I appreciate all the work they do and they know that.
“To sit upstairs and watch our team perform like that gives me so much pride.
“In this league you need men that lead by example. It’s no secret we’ve lost leaders recently and we were keen to replace them.
“Nat Phillips has come in and been incredible. He was incredible for the team today and led by example. His partner Chris Mepham, on the back of one training session, to come in and put in a performance like that, is so positive.
“It wasn’t just them two. Everyone who has worked for this victory deserves credit. You don’t come away from home and have individuals win you games – it’s a real team effort and we had that today. That’s the most pleasing thing.”
