Mowbray points finger of blame at defence

Last updated : 04 March 2009 By Wba-mad Editor

Tony Mowbray has told his defenders they have to rapidly improve if Albion are to stay in the Premier League. Defensive errors again came back to haunt the Baggies with individual errors and lapses of concentration gifting the visitors all three goals.

Despite Albion scoring for the first time against the 'big four' in seven attempts courtesy of Chris Brunt's free-kick, it was the shambolic defending of the hosts which again came under scrutiny.

"The story of the night was our defending and if we don't improve that we won't give ourselves a chance of staying in this league," Mowbray admitted.

"I'm not an effing and blinding, throwing-things-against-the-wall manager but I let them know how I feel afterwards.

"A few have got to step up to the mark and start doing the jobs they get paid for.

"If they do, great, if they don't, we will all suffer the consequences.

"How can you win matches if you defend like we did in the first half? Put simply, you can't!

"Were Arsenal's goals anything to do with team shape or organisation?

"I don't think so, because on their first goal, there were nine players in the box to defend the second phase of a corner.

"We didn't defend it. We backed and backed away and allowed Bendtner to shoot and score.

"The second goal was similar to the first one we conceded at Everton where a wide free-kick comes into your box and the boy gets a free header on goal.

"Even the third goal was just a long straight ball through to a centre-forward who just made a run and scores."

The sloppy goals conceded against Arsenal are not the first time the Baggies have fallen foul of defensive mistakes this season with Mowbray again left frustrated after working with individuals on the training field.

"We work on defence," Mowbray stressed.

"It's not as if we just wash over the mistakes.

"We've talked about it for many weeks and yet tonight it's the same goals, same problems and same individuals.

"I have changed things. I've changed the individuals, the players and yet the goals still keep going in.

"All you can do is try and pick the players up, get them ready to go again and get the balance right between over-emphasising things and trying to get them to relax and do their jobs.

"They can do their jobs and yet the more you talk about it, and the more work you do, it sometimes makes it a problem for them."