WBA boss Clarke backs misfiring Nicolas Anelka

West Brom manager Steve Clarke has given his backing to misfiring striker Nicolas Anelka, despite the Frenchman yet to hit the back of the net since arriving at the Hawthorns. Anelka missed a glorious chance to put Albion 2-0 up against Arsenal on Sunday evening.

Anelka had an excellent pre-season for WBA but has yet to show that form in the Premier League so far this year.


However, manager Steve Clarke expects that Anelka will soon return to form and start banging in goals again.


"Nicolas is an experienced striker and he knows he was in the right position. The first chance actually arrived a little bit behind him, which meant it was difficult to finish," said Clarke.


"For the second one he did almost everything right. He opened the goal up and just put it the wrong side of the post - we're talking inches.


"On another day he could have scored both. Strikers need goals and 'Nico' is experienced enough to know if he keeps getting in those positions he'll score goals."