Sunday 3 May 2015 10:38, UK
Tony Pulis believes West Brom had luck on their side during their 1-0 victory against Manchester United at Old Trafford.
Louis van Gaal’s side had 26 attempts on goal, including Robin van Persie’s penalty miss but West Brom produced the decisive moment as Chris Brunt’s free-kick hit Jonas Olsson and flew past David de Gea and into the back of the net.
And Pulis insist his side deserved their bit of luck as they went on to secure back-to-back victories at united for the first time in 59 years.
“It’s always difficult coming here,” Pulis told Sky Sports.
“Just look at the subs they brought on. They’re in a different league in that respect. You need to be organised, resilient and have a bit of luck. We had those three in abundance so we are very pleased.
“It takes a lot of work and a lot of commitment from the players because 90 per cent of it is not dealing with the person with the ball. It’s dealing with the people off the ball and putting yourself in positions where they are not going to hurt you.
“As well as we’ve played today and as hard as we’ve worked against a top club like United, they’re still going to get into those positions and that’s when you need a bit of luck.”
In the 73rd minute Manchester United were awarded a penalty when Saido Berahino was adjudged to have handled on the edge of the box by referee Anthony Taylor.
Boaz Myhill was the hero for the visitors as he saved Van persie’s penalty but Pulis was adamant the penalty should not have been given.
He added: “I’m looking at the penalty and I don’t think it’s a penalty.
“The referee is 60 yards away and he gives a penalty. The linesman is 10 yards away and gives a corner. How that can happen again I don’t know but we’ll see what Anthony says.
“We’ve had a bit of luck but we’ve rode it and deserved it.
The win takes West Brom to the magical 40-point mark and Pulis hopes that will be enough to secure their top flight status for next season,
“I hope it’s enough,” he said. “I don’t like playing at this time of the day because all the results go on.
“I was irked today because someone had a mobile on and the players try to see how the results are going. It’s about us.
“I said to the players it’s about concentrating on our performance. You can’t affect other people and other people’s results. You have to concentrate on your own.
“I went in after the game and they told me all the other teams won so it makes this result even sweeter.”
