Di Matteo staying calm

West Brom manager not getting carried away with fine form

Last updated: 21st November 2009   Subscribe to RSS Feed

Di Matteo staying calm

Di Matteo: Pleased

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Roberto Di Matteo insisted West Brom would not become complacent after returning to the top of the Championship table.

With Newcastle not in action until Monday, the Baggies had the chance to go a point clear for 48 hours at least and they did not disappoint.

Early strikes from Jerome Thomas and Chris Brunt, an own goal by Louis Carey and a 48th-minute effort from Simon Cox secured a 4-1 victory over Bristol City, with Paul Hartley grabbing a late consolation for the visitors.

Di Matteo is delighted with his troops but has vowed not to get carried away with so much of the season still to come.

He said: "You can't be higher than top so after 17 games we can be pleased. But we will not be getting complacent.

"As long as we stay at the right end of the table for as long as possible that will be good for us.

"It is still very close at the top and it can only take two bad games to put you right back in the mix.

"I will just keep going as this is still early days in my managerial career.

"The expectations are very high at the club and it is great to work for a club like this as I am very ambitious myself.

"I thought it was an excellent performance and I was delighted with the display.

We looked very strong."

Johnson reaction

Bristol City had arrived at The Hawthorns on the back of a seven-match unbeaten run and having lost just twice this season.

But City manager Gary Johnson admitted there was no way back after Albion's quick double.

"You can't give a team like West Brom a two goal start and then give them another two goals just after half time which killed us.

"We are very disappointed but we are not totally distraught after coming up against a very good side who are strong at home.

"We had a little bit of the play but didn't take our chances.

"At 2-0 you know the next goal is vital and they got it.

"We have lost our seven-game unbeaten record and we will now have to rally the troops for the two home games that are coming up."

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