Below performance disappoints Di Matteo

Last updated : 27 September 2009 By Wba-mad Editor

Roberto Di Matteo admitted his disappointment after Crystal Palace’s 1-0 victory at The Hawthorns ended Albion’s unbeaten start to the season.  Alassane N'Diaye first professional goal in the 63rd minute was enough to see of Albion with Di Matteo ruing a combination of poor finishing and equally so defending.

Luke Moore missed chances to open the scoring in each half before Palace’s opener as Albion struggled to create any opportunities against a solid Neil Warnock side.  Reuben Reid missed a late header after coming on for Gianni Zuiverloon with the Baggies’ head coach sure Albion will improve against Barnsley on Tuesday (KO 19.45).

“I'm disappointed about our performance today," said Di Matteo after his first league defeat.

“We conceded a very soft goal.

"The way we conceded it was poor.

"It was a straight ball into the box and we need to be better than that defensively.

"There were some claims that it was a handball. I can't comment as I didn't see it.

"But it wasn't a convincing performance, anyway, and consequently it brought our first defeat.

"It wasn't the West Bromwich Albion we've seen so far and that's the most disappointing aspect of it.

"We had a Tuesday game that used up a bit of energy.

"We also had a few players missing that give us the edge sometimes, not to mention creativity.

"But we're not looking for excuses. We should have done better today.

"We still had a few chances and in tight games like that you need to put one of your chances in to make the game yours.

"We need to learn on both sides - putting the game to bed and not giving such easy goals away.

"We're working on the defending and we'll keep working on it.

"I'm sure we'll improve."