The ACN match review: WBA (a) | OneFootball

How did we play?

Bloody brilliantly. Kenny, Pelle and Oscar ran the midfield in the first half straight from kick-off. It was incredible to see us immediately pin West Brom back, and keep them there for such long periods.

Albion did get themselves into the game for the last 10 minutes of the half, with the post being struck and a few corners and skirmishes here and there.

At the break, I’ll admit that the worsening downpour did make me doubt how controllable the second half would be. But oh ye of little faith. A brilliantly worked second goal early in the second half was followed by the quick 1-2 punch of the third and fourth, by which point the home fans were streaming out.

What was the best bit of the game?

I’d have to say, the bit where we scored 5 goals.

Just a fantastic, all-round team performance with everyone contributing and looking on top of their game. It’s still hard to fathom how bad this team was earlier in the season – the fitness, the aptitude, the whole mindset has all been transformed.

Philippe Clement is magic, he wears a magic hat. And also, what sort of chump would rule themselves out of playing for this team?

What was the worst bit of the game?

Sky seemed to have Frank Sidebottom on commentary, which was an unnecessary distraction.

What was the atmosphere like?

I watched the game in a near-deserted pub, with some indifferent Goths who got a fright from my eruptive shout of “YES!!!” when Slimane made the game safe.

Actually at The Hawthorns, the neat square of hardy Norwich supporters tucked away behind the goal looked to be having an understandably grand old time.

Hero of the match

It was one of those glorious games where there were any number of candidates to choose from. As already mentioned, I thought McLean and Schwartau were fantastic. McConville was a beast at the back. Chrisene has made us stronger since his return. And Ahmed again looked like a really exciting signing.

But I’ll give it to Anis Ben Slimane for both his performance on the night and his three-game journey from “Oh yeah, I’d forgotten about him” versus Walsall, to now being another in-form option, pushing for a place in the starting XI.

Summary in Five Words

Belgian’s boys batter besieged Baggies.