West Bromwich Albion coach James Morrison has admitted he played a part in the confusion surrounding the penalty that led to the team's opening goal in the 2-1 win over Burnley at The Hawthorns. The former midfielder, now part of the coaching staff, revealed that he was the one who told the players to let Darnell Furlong take the spot-kick, despite John Swift being the designated taker.
Morrison's Explanation
Speaking after the match, Morrison explained that the mix-up occurred because he wanted Furlong to take the penalty to boost his confidence, having been impressed with his recent performances. "I told Darnell to take it," Morrison said. "I thought he needed a goal, and I felt confident he would score. It was my call, and it caused a bit of confusion, but thankfully it worked out."
The incident happened in the first half when West Brom were awarded a penalty after a foul on Swift. As Swift prepared to take the kick, Furlong stepped up, leading to a brief discussion among the players before Furlong ultimately converted. The goal gave Albion the lead, and they went on to secure all three points.
Relief and Team Spirit
Morrison admitted that he felt a sense of relief when Furlong scored, as the confusion could have been disruptive. "It was a bit awkward, but the lads handled it well. We have a good spirit in the dressing room, and everyone was focused on getting the win," he added. The victory moved West Brom up to second in the Championship table, just one point behind leaders Leicester City.
The win extended Albion's unbeaten run to six matches, and Morrison praised the team's character. "We showed great resilience to come back after Burnley equalised. The response was brilliant, and it shows the mentality we are building here," he said.
Looking Ahead
West Brom now turn their attention to their next fixture, a trip to face Middlesbrough on Saturday. Morrison stressed the importance of maintaining momentum. "Every game is tough in this league, and we know we have to be at our best. But the confidence is high, and we are looking forward to the challenge," he concluded.
