Chris Brunt admitted Albion’s draw at Swansea City on Saturday felt like a defeat.
The Baggies were leading 1-0 heading into the final few moments of second-half stoppage time in South Wales following Tom Fellows’ opener.
However, the hosts kept the ball alive inside the penalty area and substitute Joe Allen was perfectly positioned to glance the ball into the far corner beyond the reach of Alex Palmer.
Brunt described the goal as a “sucker punch” after seeing Albion deliver an impressive performance over the border.
He said: “The lads gave us everything after a tough period of games. It was the last one today and there’s been a lot of travelling.
“We started slowly but we grew into the game really well. We had loads of good opportunities to score more goals and we’re disappointed that we didn’t do that.
“If you’re only one goal up there’s always a chance you’ll be hit with a sucker punch and that’s what happened right at the end.
“Some draws are good draws and some feel like a defeat. That one feels like a defeat.
“Looking from the sides, we felt pretty comfortable.
"They were putting us under pressure but the lads did really well, the substitutes had good impacts defensively and they kept the energy high.
"The run of games has been tough, the travelling takes it toll on the lads, and you could see a few of them were feeling it at the end then.
"The changes were made to add a bit of energy and I think they did do that. I haven't seen the goal back, but Joe Allen's an experienced player and he's nipped in ahead of somebody, but that's football.
"If we look at things on the whole, we had lots of good scenarios where we counter-attacked well, got into good positions, and maybe that final ball or final strike let us down in the end.
"The pitch wasn't great and I think that played a part with a lot of bobbles in areas and, unfortunately, the bounce of the ball just didn't go our way.
"But I think they gave everything we asked of them and have done for the last couple of weeks, so I don't think we can be too harsh on them.
"As a player, this was always a difficult place to come and it's nice to come away with something, but I think we deserved all three points.
"Whatever the football club decide to do, I'll keep preparing as much as I can with Damiá (Abella) and the coaching staff, Boaz (Myhill), sports science, medical, everyone's been brilliant.
"It's been a real team effort and the lads deserve a couple of days off, especially at this time of year. They'll have those, recharge themselves and we've got a really tough cup tie coming up next week so if we're still here next week, we'll prepare as best we can.
"But first and foremost, I think the boys need a few days off to go and recharge, then we'll regroup next week and see what happens."
