Roberto Di Matteo admitted his side experienced a nightmare against fellow promotion rivals Cardiff City at The Hawthorns. Albion were devoid of any quality or creativity and were punished by Chris Burke’s solo effort in the first-half and Peter Whittingham’s late rebounded penalty after Scott Carson had seen red for violent conduct.
The Baggies had the first effort of the evening when Graham Dorrans stung Cardiff ‘keeper David Marshall’s hands from distance. However that was a good as it got for Albion with Youssouf Mulumbu subbed due to injury and skipper Carson now set for an automatic three match ban.
"It was one of those nightmare scenarios for a boss," admitted Di Matteo.
"We lost an important game and lost a couple of players to injury and suspension.
"In a game like this the first goal is very important.
"We dropped off on the first goal, which we shouldn't have.
"We should have tackled the player before he got to the edge of the box.
"Once he got into range of shooting we gave him a chance.
"That was poor defending on our part.
"In the second half we put pressure on them and played in their half.
"I think we had a few chances to get into the game but the final ball in front of goal was not there tonight.
"On our first touch and crosses I don't think we had the quality there tonight."
After the final whistle Di Matteo refused to point the finger of blame at his skipper for his moment of madness preferring to discuss the incident with his captain before passing judgement.
"We are very disappointed about losing our keeper and captain for three games," the Italian continued.
"Personally I have not seen what happened with Scott because the game was developing in the middle of the pitch.
"I don't know if anyone has seen it to be honest.
"It's disappointing that happened tonight to our goalkeeper.
"I need to see what happened before I have a conversation with him.
"It's too early to decide about discipline.
"We need to find out exactly what happened.
"Hypothetically, we would take action if someone has deliberately head-butted someone.
"I don't know if Chopra said something to him for him to react."