Roy Hodgson was pleased to see his battling Baggies mathematically confirm their Premier League status for another season courtesy of a Graham Dorrans stunner to see off QPR.
Dorrans second goal of the season saw Albion move on to an impressive 42 points and earn back-to-back home victories and clean sheets.
Hodgson admits Albion have struggled to exceed the 40 point barrier for a number of weeks, but took heart from his side’s rear-guard action which kept Rangers at bay for long periods.
"We've been under the impression that, from the end of March and going into April, to some extent we needed to fall over the line," said Hodgson.
"It's been a long, hard season and we've lost a lot of quality players along the way - including Zoltan Gera early doors.
"We've missed Reid and Brunt a lot, and now Morrison, so a lot of people have been thrown into the breach that might not have been under normal circumstances.
"But we've still not only got over the line, we've got over the line with a degree of margin or comfort.
"Forty-two points from 34 games is a really good achievement, in my opinion.
"I'm delighted with the players and I'm delighted that, in a game where we could have been forgiven for not putting in the real effort and not making that final effort, when your lungs are bursting, to get a block, we did all we could because we're safe and they're not.
"That speaks volumes for the players."
The head coach admitted his players tired towards the end of the game after three games in a week. But the Baggies' back-line stood firm - much to the delight of Hodgson.
"I was very pleased with the way the team held out under pressure," he said.
"In the first half, we were looking pretty much good for victory because we played some very, very good football.
"We lost our way a little bit in the second half and Rangers put a lot of attacking players on the field, so they asked plenty of questions.
"But we showed a lot of grit and determination in keeping them at bay.
"There were a lot of good blocks in and around the penalty area and a lot of good headers.
"In fact, Ben's only real save was in the first half from a counter-attack."
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Source: FOOTYMAD
