Clarke: Bold was beautiful

28 April 2013 17:42
Attacking formation pays off for boss

Steve Clarke praised his forward trio yesterday after Marc-Antonie Fortune, Romelu Lukaku and Shane Long all netted as Albion brushed aside Southampton 3-0 at St. Mary’s.

The Scot stuck with the 4-3-3 formation that finished last week’s game against Newcastle United.

Fortune, Lukaku and Long all started an attacking shape which saw Albion create numerous chances in a one-sided game.

Backed by a bumper away following, Fortune gave the Baggies the advantage before the break with Lukaku and Long both scoring second half goals.

“We used the three to chase the game against Newcastle last week and it worked really well,” Clarke said.  “I was a little bit short of midfielders this week and, although it was little bit of a gamble going away to such a difficult place, it works out well for us.  “The shape of the team behind the front three was good.  “But the front three were a handful.  “The movement was good, all of them individually were a threat and there was some good combination play.  “Some of the football we played going forward was excellent.  “Lukaku’s not bad!  “Marco Fortune did very well and Shane Long was good.  “My front three were excellent today.  “Not just offensively, where they caused Southampton all sorts of problems, defensively as well.  “Everyone did their jobs for the team, everyone was chasing back at the right time and closing the spaces on the pitch.  “It was a good all round performance by everyone.” 

Do you think Clarke got it spot on against the Saints? Have your say on Baggies Banter. 

Source: WBA MAD

Source: FOOTYMAD