Clarke: everybody is a hero

Last updated : 12 February 2013 By Wba-mad Editor

Steve Clarke claimed Albion had a team full of heroes last night after the Baggies earned a 2-0 victory at Anfield.

Albion were put under sustained pressure from the hosts and had Ben Foster to thank after making a number of top-class saves – including a penalty from England captain Steven Gerrard.

The visitors failed to have a shot until the 80th minute when Youssouf Mulumbu was denied by a flying Pepe Reina. But from the resulting corner, defensive rock Gareth McAuley headed the ball home to give Albion an unexpected lead.

It got better for the Baggies nine minutes later when substitute Romelu Lukaku powered through a tired Liverpool defence to slot home under Reina to record Albion’s first ‘double’ over the Reds in more than four decades.

“I’m delighted for the lads,” said Clarke. 

“Tonight for me they are all heroes. 

“I’m just satisfied that my players have got some reward for a hell of an effort tonight. 

“To come here and win is a great effort from the players. 

“They’ve given me everything. 

“When things were going well it was easy. You don’t need to praise them too much because they’re getting the results and getting the plaudits. 

“But even in recent weeks, when things haven’t been going so well for us, they’ve given me everything they’ve got. 

“Some of the performances were good and some not so good. 

“But you can never ever question the commitment of the players at West Bromwich Albion Football club – and to me that’s really important.”

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