Roy Hodgson admitted Albion’s long awaited win over neighbours Aston Villa has made his weekend – and thousands of other Baggies fans!
Albion scored all three goals at a sun-kissed Hawthorns after Abdoulaye Meite scored past Scott Carson in the fourth minute.
But once again Albion’s never-say-die attitude shone through when Peter Odemwingie scored his 14th goal of the season to equalise on the hour mark.
The Baggies’ joy was short-lived only seconds later though when Paul Scharner was shown his marching orders for a second yellow card after a challenge on Stilian Petrov.
With only six minutes remaining, Simon Cox controlled Scott Carson’s long punt up field and found the on-rushing Youssouf Mulumbu. The midfielder spun his man before lifting the ball over Brad Friedel to end 26-years of hurt.
"This win has made a few people's weekends - not least of all my own!" said Albion’s chief..
"From a selfish view point, I'm going to have a wonderful weekend.
"It's a fantastic feeling with three games to go to have achieved our major goal of keeping West Bromwich Albion in the Premier League so that we at least get successive seasons in this division.
"I'm rather hoping we can build on the foundations we've laid this year to create a team that can stay in the Premier League year after year and not consistently have to bounce back from relegation."
The win moved Albion up to 11th in the Premier League and, more importantly, on to 43 points – a figure the experienced Baggies boss Hodgson is enough to keep Albion in the division next season, and safe from relegation.
"It's very pleasing to be able to say 'we are safe'," he said.
"I shall never stop saying it!
"In every interview I do from now on - every chance I get - I shall say it.
"Even if a journalist doesn't ask the question, I will put it in there anyway!"