Roy 'delighted' with Spurs point

24 April 2011 10:03
But boss still wants another win to secure safety Bubbling Baggies boss Roy Hodgson revealed his delight at watching his Albion side again battle back to earn a precious point at high flying Tottenham. Peter Odewmingie had given the Baggies the best possible start when he curled Albion into the lead inside five minutes. But Spurs strikers Roman Pavlyuchenko and Jermain Defoe each scored long-range efforts to give the hosts the advantage before Simon Cox came off the bench to score his Premier League goal in style and level the scores. "I am delighted with a point because Tottenham are in excellent form," said Albion’s head coach. "They had all their big hitters on the field today and what's more they showed how good they are. "And in the second half when you are doing reasonably well you go a goal behind. "We were a little bit wounded at that time, as we'd already lost Steven Reid to injury just before half-time, who is a very important player, and our goalkeeper was nursing a thigh problem, then Crouch comes on to bother you. "Given all those things I think it was a splendid effort to come back from 2-1 down and draw." The point takes Albion on to the magical survival total of 40 points with four games still to play. And while Hodgson revealed his relief at reaching the milestone, he says he’d be happier with another win to secure another season of top flight football. "It looks like it's an important point for us given the way the other results have gone today," he continued. "It's taken us at least to a psychological point of 40, which most people would say is enough - I don't say that. "I'm still concerned we might need a point or two more. "I have to say I'm a damn sight happier with 40 than 39." The draw at Spurs saw Albion extend their impressive form under the former Liverpool and Fulham man. The Baggies have lost only once since Hodgson took over in late February and again showed their never-say-die attitude. "The players have come back several times this year," the 63-year-old continued. "But of course we've been caught the other way like when we were two up against the Arsenal at home with about 11 minutes left to play and drew 2-2. "We've done it at both ends I'm afraid. "It's a work in progress - there is no doubt about that. "But I'm really pleased with the way things have gone since I joined the club. "It would be very nice, if we sustain our position in the Barclays Premier League, if we can bring in a few more players that can really help some of these ones out. "A lot of people like Mulumbu, Odemwingie and Carlos Vela are talented players but not with an awful lot of experience. "So, I'm hoping, if we do stay up, we'll find those necessary reinforcements just to make life that little bit easier. "The way I see it, I think the Barclays Premier League is going to be another very, very tough league next season as well. "There are going to be plenty of us looking over our shoulder and very few looking up to see if they can get their hands on the trophy." Have Albion done enough to secure their top flight status? Have your say at Baggies Banter here.

Source: FOOTYMAD