Express & Star

Slaven Bilic proud unbeaten start at West Brom

Slaven Bilic says Albion’s unbeaten record makes him feel proud – especially as there are so many areas where his team can still improve.

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Slaven Bilic

Following the 1-1 draw at Fulham, the Baggies are now the only unbeaten side in the Championship with Bilic’s men yet to taste defeat in seven outings.

The head coach said there had been positives and negatives in West Brom’s start to the season. “It’s like a glass – half full, half empty,” he said.

But the boss is pleased to be unbeaten, especially when he feels his team will get stronger over the course of the campaign.

“The unbeaten record is good, we want to keep it,” Bilic said. “Mathematically you know, it is better to lose one game and win the other one. But we are pleased to still be unbeaten. It shows what a good squad we have, and what resilience and character we have.

“It also shows what options we have.”

Goalkeeper Sam Johnstone is a major reason why the Baggies are still unbeaten, with the 26-year-old making two impressive stops at Craven Cottage.

The glovesman pushed a Tom Cairney effort on to the bar and also made an excellent point-blank save to keep out a strike from Bobby Reid.

Bilic actually expected his keeper to make those saves. But the boss admitted he is thrilled with the former Manchester United trainee.

“He made a couple of good saves (at Fulham),” Bilic continued. “That’s why he’s there. I expect him to make those saves. But he is a top goalkeeper. Not only with his feet, but with his blocks and hands.

“I do not hide it – we are happy to have him. He’s very important and a very big part of our team. He’s one of the biggest reasons we’re unbeaten after seven games. It gives you that little bit of extra confidence.”