And boss says players showed great spirit in Carrow Road win (VIDEO)
PEPE Mel believes today’s 1-0 win at survival rivals Norwich could propel Albion towards Barclays Premier League safety as they moved five points clear of the drop zone.
The visitors grabbed an early lead at Carrow Road thanks to Morgan Amalfitano’s 16th-minute strike – his second goal in as many games.
And the Baggies boss was proud of his players as they delivered a spirited performance built on the first clean-sheet of his 11-game Hawthorns reign.
“It was a very important win for us,” said Mel.
“I think these three points really move us closer towards the end and really make our route to our objective a lot easier.
“But we need to continue fighting as the Premier League table changes week to week.”
He added: “It is very important scoring lots of goals.
“But so is making sure we don’t concede – and we need to be pragmatic.
“The only thing I was remembering during the second half was leading against Cardiff.
“When you’re leading 1-0 you have to work very hard.
“The players are very happy, they have all hugged together - and that is the best medicine.
“They worked really well for the 90 minutes and could have scored additional goals.
“I’m very proud of them.”
The victory – the 16th-placed Baggies’ second on the road in three games – moved them five points clear of the relegation places, with six matches remaining, and a game in hand on three of the four teams below them, with a superior goal difference.
And the Albion chief says his men should be confident heading into next Saturday’s home clash with Tottenham (ko 3.07pm).
“I think the game against Spurs really is very important and if we’re able to win against Tottenham at home then the future will be a very happy one for us,” he insisted.
“Today we were sure we going to win because our levels of confidence were very high.
“Of course a team that has displayed discipline on the pitch and has played as well as they did today demonstrates there is a good spirit in the camp and we are a family.
“I think the players have shown today exactly what they want and how to go about achieving it.”