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West Brom boss Allardyce insists confirmed relegation could've been avoided

West Brom boss Sam Allardyce insists relegation could've been avoided.

The Gunners' 3-1 victory at the Emirates Stadium confirmed Albion's relegation to the Sky Bet Championship.

Allardyce said: “I'm absolutely gutted.

“It's obviously been something which many people thought was coming our way for a while, but it's still a really tough one to take. It's a horrible feeling.

“Speaking honestly, the sad thing is we shouldn't be here. We had so many chances not to be in this position with three games to go.

“That was based on the consistently good performances the players were turning in. Unfortunately, those performances need to be turned into wins and we all knew that.

“We had the opportunity in February and March to close the gap and get much-needed points on the board when we played against teams like Fulham, Sheffield United, Burnley and Newcastle. We didn't manage to win any of them.

“We should have put those teams to bed. Even Wolves the other day. They all should have turned into victories.

“I just wonder what it might have been like if we had had the fans behind us at home. Maybe we would have beaten Fulham at home and Manchester United at home.

“I just wonder if the fans might have helped us over the line and to victories. I think they might possibly have done, but unfortunately they couldn't be there to help us because of the pandemic.

“We've tried our best and I'm very sorry we haven't made it.

“We need to try and win as many of the three games left and keep our professionalism.

“I told the players they have to get back on course for the weekend. We've got three left to play and we have to try and keep performing well.

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