Boss hails battling Baggies

Last updated : 28 September 2008 By Wba-mad Editor

Albion boss Tony Mowbray could not praise his rearguard enough as the combination of the back-four and goalkeeper Scott Carson helped the Baggies achieve their first away win of the season. Giant Swedish defender Jonas Olsson scored his first Albion goal in the 53rd minute with the entire rearguard receiving praise from former centre-half and 'Boro legend, Mowbray.

"It's great to be sitting here with all the points," Mowbray said.

"I thought there were some great performances in the back four.

"We also looked a threat.

"My only disappointment is we didn't retain the ball as well as we know we can.

"There were too many in midfield who kept giving it away and taking too many touches.

"It wasn't a typical Albion performance yet we're sitting here with a 1-0 win.

"After the goal we conceded in the first four minutes at Arsenal, we haven't conceded away from home.

"To keep an away clean-sheet takes a huge team effort.

"They all played their part."

Olsson was partnered at the heart of the defence by debutant Ryan Donk after his loan switch from AZ Alkmaar with Paul Robinson and Gianni Zuiverloon occupying the full-back slots. The impressive Scott Carson again caught the eye between the sticks with the England international making a number of important saves to help Albion earn their second victory of the season.

"I thought our right-back [Zuiverloon] was exceptional today," the Baggies boss continued.

"He played against one of the best wide players in the country in Stewart Downing.

"He is new to the league but our players see him week in, week out and they will tell you what a special talent he is.

"Robbo does what he does every week and is a quality Premier League full-back.

"It was the first time Ryan Donk has stepped on a Premier League pitch and he showed his qualities - strength, determination, pace and power.

"I'm pleased we're talking about our defence because I'm sick and tired of talking about our attacking players!

"If we're going to have a good season it's going to take a team effort.

"The defence and goalie have got to play well in certain games.

"In other games, they'll do just enough and it will be the midfielders and strikers who win matches for us.

"You hope you have more of the latter, of course.

"But there are days when the goalkeeper and defenders have got to stand up against the play.

"There it was today before our eyes."