West Bromwich Albion manager Eric Ramsay is adamant: a draw against Derby County wasn't just a lucky escape, it was a fair reflection of his team's grit and determination. Friday night's 1-1 stalemate at Pride Park, secured by Chris Mepham's dramatic 95th-minute equalizer, felt like a hard-won victory for the Baggies.
Ramsay, full of praise for his players and staff, highlighted their resilience in bouncing back from a midweek defeat to Norwich City. He acknowledged a sense of relief but emphasized the result felt justified given their performance.
'We controlled the game defensively, limiting their chances while posing a constant threat ourselves,' he explained.
The manager commended his team's ability to 'keep it together and keep plugging away' despite facing another setback. He sees this fighting spirit as crucial for the remainder of the season.
Ramsay revealed a delicate balancing act within the team: 'We've had tough conversations about what's acceptable, but we've also focused on maintaining a positive mindset.' This approach, he believes, was evident in their determined display from the first whistle to the last.
'We faced a tough opponent in a difficult away fixture,' Ramsay acknowledged, recognizing Derby's ability to create chances from seemingly nothing. 'But we showed the qualities of a team capable of progressing this season.'
While acknowledging the importance of the point gained, Ramsay stressed the focus remains on performance. 'It's about building on this momentum, staying laser-focused, and not getting carried away with league standings,' he said, emphasizing a game-by-game approach.
The physical toll of two games in quick succession was evident, with injuries to Karlan Grant and Krystian Bielik. Ramsay admitted, 'There's collateral damage, and we'll assess the extent of it in due course.'
This draw, while not a win, feels like a turning point for West Brom. Ramsay's belief in his team's potential is clear, and the question remains: can they sustain this resilience and translate it into consistent results? Is this the spark they need to climb the Championship table? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below.
