Ally McCoist derides display of both teams in West Brom v Newcastle
West Brom v Newcastle United was never billed as a classic and it certainly proved that way – commentator Ally McCoist was left less than impressed.
The relegation rivals could not be separated as they played out a dull 0-0 draw and the stalemate will not live long in the memory.
Albion will likely come away feeling the most aggrieved after lining up against an injury-depleted Newcastle side but they can’t claim to have deserved three points.
Speaking on talkSPORT Breakfast with Laura Woods [6am, 08/03/21] McCoist did not have kind words when describing the events he had witnessed after commentating on the game for Amazon Prime Video.
“Holy moly guacamole, I’m a big fan of football and I’ll go anywhere to watch a game but Woodsy, that was a tough match yesterday,” he said.
“Clive [Tyldesley, co-commentator] said to me where do you think this will come in the running order for the Match of the Day 2 highlights, I said Tuesday – if they get round to it.
“It was somebody punishing me somewhere.”
Yawns all round
An enthralling encounter, it certainly was not.
Both clubs needed a win to reignite their survival hopes but you would not have guessed so by the lack of intensity shown on either side.
There were chances for both but the lack of quality on show was apparent and that is why they are where they are in the league.
McCoist summed up this turgid display perfectly – we all felt punished watching that.
Can any blame be apportioned to Sam Allardyce? Probably, especially regarding a lack of, or late, substitutes but he can’t legislate for the likes of Mbaye Diagne missing guilt-edged opportunities.
Big Sam is not exactly famed for his gung-ho approach to football matches so maybe these sort of encounters are to be expected under his stewardship.
In our last four game there have been a grand total of two goals combined while we have not witnessed an Albion game with more than two goals since a 2-1 defeat to Sheffield United on February 2, seven matches ago.
It was a dispiriting display that leaves our survival hopes in tatters.
In other West Brom news, Gary Lineker has his say on Albion v Newcastle.
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