Newcastle response delights Di Matteo

Last updated : 19 January 2010 By Wba-mad Editor

Roberto Di Matteo claims his players responded in the best possible fashion against league leaders Newcastle United pushing the Magpies every inch of the way in a pulsating 2-2 draw.  The Baggies lead twice through Jonas Olsson and Roman Bednar but were pegged back and had to settle for a point. 

Following the dismal 3-1 defeat to Nottingham Forest, the Baggies chief demanded a performance from his players and believed he received the response he was looking for at St. James Park.

"If I reflect over the game I think we deserved to win," the Italian claimed.

"We had some good chances and probably more chances than Newcastle.

"We thought when the ball went through Ishmael just had to knock it in for the third goal.

"I'm not a psychologist but I'm happy with the response after the defeat last time out.

"The players put tremendous effort into the game tonight.

"I would also like to say you can't judge a team on one bad game.

"We have had loads of good games and over the course of the season we have had loads of positives.

"I think we deserved to win this game and Newcastle went very close to losing their first home game this season.

"We have a bit of frustration in ourselves because we had the better chances and more chances too.

"I think we are among the highest scoring teams in the league and we always try to be positive.

"I have to say, we showed a bit of character tonight away at Newcastle.

"We looked comfortable and played the ball around nicely, created chances and nearly won the game.

"It was a very high-tempo game and you could see towards the end of the game both teams were a little bit tired.

"We drew the first game against them and we drew here.

"In both games we were quite good and should have won both.

"In the first game Tim Krul made several good saves.

"Tonight we had chances and lady luck was not on our side."