Football Sports

Sam Allardyce admits “we could’ve made life easier for ourselves” as West Bromwich Albion aim for relegation miracle

West Bromwich Albion manager Sam Allardyce admitted his side made it harder for themselves at times during their relegation battle in the Premier League.

“The sad thing is, there were many times we could’ve made life easier for ourselves,” conceded Allardyce.

“In terms of the last two games we struggled to get the wins over the line. All we can do is take the next game and try to compete.”

Allardyce kept Sunderland and Crystal Palace up from relegation in 2015 and 2016 respectfully, but despite the low chance of keeping his current team up, he feels Albion should be higher up in the table.

“We should be one place higher and obviously the consistent level of performances would’ve given us a big chance to get there. Ultimately we are the ones to blame after coming so close yet so far,” said Allardyce.

The former England international manager did praise his sides consistency after his arrival at the club.

“It’s a big turnaround since I first came here and in the early days of my short tenure here it was pretty bleak. There were some low par performances and the consistent level of performances, since the new signings have been good we just haven’t been able to get the wins.

“Difficult to take, difficult to swallow,” added Allardyce.

The Baggies travel to London to face Arsenal, and the 66-year-old knows anything other than maximum effort from his players is needed for their last four remaining games of the season.

“I’ve said to the players I will not accept anything other than 100 percent effort, 100 percent commitment but also 100 percent quality. There’s no excuse to give anything other than their best,” said Allardyce.

Albion will be without Branislav Ivanović, Kieran Gibbs and Robert Snodgrass due to injury, but Arsenal loanee Ainsley Maitland-Niles is unable to play against his parent club.

“Disappointing Ainsley can’t play against Arsenal,” said Allardyce. ” Unfortunately that’s the rules when you get a loan.”

Kick off at The Emirates begins at 19:00.

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