Roy Hodgson believes his West Bromwich Albion side were 'unlucky' to end their clash with Manchester United empty-handed.
Baggies boss reflects on agonising defeat to defending champions
Roy Hodgson believes his West Bromwich Albion side were 'unlucky' to end their clash with Manchester United empty-handed.
The Baggies looked set to pick up a hard-fought point against the reigning Premier League champions in their opening game of the 2011/12 campaign.
There was, however, to be a late twist in the tale at the Hawthorns and Hodgson was left to reflect on a 2-1 defeat.
Debutant Shane Long cancelled out Wayne Rooney's early opener, but an unfortunate own-goal by Steven Reid with just nine minutes left on the clock saw the Baggies come unstuck.
"It was close," Hodgson told
Sky Sports.
"Our performance was very good, and we're sad not to hold on but very pleased with our team's performance.
"We played ourselves into the game and deserved a result for long periods of the game, but unfortunately (Ashley)Young got that bit of luck and that changed the complexion of things.
Tough
"We knew it was going to be tough, but we kept our end up well and consider ourselves a little bit unlucky not to get something from the game.
"We gave United a good run for their money."
Hodgson was keen to take plenty of positives from the performance of his side, especially the way Long opened his goal account on his first competitive outing.
"It was a good start for Shane Long," he added.
"His performance in general was very good, we did enough to get ourselves a goal and it's always nice to score on your debut.
"I'm delighted for him, and his work rate and his general performance was deserving."
