West Brom the surprise package
Unfancied West Bromwich Albion have punched above their weight to get into top four.
The reason a David vs Goliath battle got such massive public relations value back when fables were in vogue is largely down to sentient beings understanding and celebrating the underachiever, the hidden persona within them.
The small, weak, slingshot brandishing, floppy haired boy who would dare roar probably once in life, and that too after much coercing would prove that he had it within him to fell the most fearsome of all giants and prove his mettle.
That roar has emanated from a source which wouldn’t have figured in betting punts worldwide before the season had started; yet West Bromwich Albion have managed to step into David’s big shoes with tremendous fervour and a brilliant attitude this season, refusing to give in even against the very best in England.
Manager Steve Clarke, the former Chelsea man, has managed to turn a team of decent to average players into a special unit. Much like Newcastle last season, West Brom have settled into a rhythm far removed from their relegation struggles from previous years. Currently in fourth spot, seven points behind the leaders Man United, they have every opportunity to capitalise on what has been an excellent start and fight for Top 6 spots come May.
Peter Odemwingie and Shane Long up front, Chris Brunt, Claudio Yacob, Youssouf Mulumbu and Zoltán Gera in the middle and a resilient Boaz Myhill between the sticks need to carry their current form and fearlessness on to the second phase of the season, where they will face much tougher away tests.
Fairytales and fables are more akin to guidelines than anything else, but one hopes that this particular tale has a happy ending for the Baggies, and their gumption and spirit pay dividend.
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