Robson backs Baggies to escape

West Brom 1 Everton 0

Zoltan Gera's second-half goal was enough to dispose of the Blues at The Hawthorns and earn Albion their third win in the last four games, and moved Robson to admit the teams just above the relegation zone would now be "looking over their shoulders."

It has moved Robson's side level on points with fourth-from-bottom Southampton, who have a superior goal difference.

West Brom looked dead and buried after losing 5-0 at home to Liverpool on St. Stephen's Day but they are unbeaten at home since then, having taken 17 points from the last 12 games.

Robson said: "We are on the shoulders of everyone. Fulham beating Portsmouth has brought them into the equation as well which is what we wanted after this weekend.

"We have given ourselves half a chance. If the boys keep playing for the next seven games the way they have been then it is going to give us a chance. I think this is our most important day of the season. With two teams losing around us and games running out, it was important we closed the gap and got to a stage where if the others lose and we win, then we go above them.

"The boys are very confident at the moment and have got a belief about themselves because we are on a good run. They know they have been playing well over the last couple of months. We don't feel we had got our just rewards in that time - but at this moment in time we are. I think teams will be looking over their shoulders at us."

Robson was pleased with the battling qualities of his side's performance in contrast to the 4-1 demolition of Charlton at The Valley in their last outing.

He said: "The lads put in a different type of performance today. Against Charlton they played some good football and created good chances with movement and passing. But we knew against Everton it would be a hard fight. We were up for the fight, battled against them and worked very hard and then counter-attacked very well in the second half.

"Months ago we would have wilted when people were putting balls into the box and we wouldn't have competed as well as today and that is why we kept a clean sheet."

Everton have taken only 11 points from their last 12 games and now only head nearest rivals Liverpool by one point in the battle for the final Champions League spot.

Manager David Moyes tried to play down his side's goals for this season and refused to berate his side's performance which was devoid of quality.

He said: "We have never really been thinking about the Champions League. We've only really been thinking about the best season we possibly can.

"I think we are in a very good position. We are disappointed we didn't get something from the game today but it wasn't for want of trying or the effort or desire of the players.

"A lack of concentration and a lack of finesse and quality at times didn't allow us to get that goal we deserved. I thought we did well, I was pleased.

"I don't see it just between us and Liverpool (for fourth spot). I think Bolton and Middlesbrough can quite easily reach that position."

Moyes believes Everton could have been awarded a penalty by referee Graham Poll after Gera tugged at the shirt of Tim Cahill.

He said: "Gera did pull Cahill's arm back. Cahill had been booked for a stupid tackle and people know if you dive now you get another card and a sending-off. So why would he possibly dive? He does grab his arm. Whether it was hard enough to warrant a penalty kick.....but you can't dispute he grabs his arm."

WEST BROM: Hoult, Albrechtsen (Scimeca 89), Gaardsoe, Clement, Robinson, Gera, Wallwork, Richardson (Moore 86), Greening, Campbell, Horsfield.

EVERTON: Martyn, Hibbert, Stubbs (Watson 85), Weir, Pistone (Yobo 45), Osman, Carsley (Ferguson 75), Arteta, Cahill, Kilbane, Bent.

Referee: G Poll (Hertfordshire).