Matt Phillips eager for Albion to seize initiative

The Baggies have proven themselves masters of the fightback during the Championship’s opening weeks, claiming 15 of their 16 points to date from losing positions.

But wing ace Phillips, who netted twice on Sunday as Albion fought back to beat Huddersfield, accepts they can’t keep getting themselves into trouble.

He said: “It’s obviously not what we want to do, though we are showing great character. We have got that belief now that we will come back if we do fall behind.

“But we know we can’t keep conceding and going behind before we put in the right performance.

“I don’t think there is any reason behind it, I just think it’s the way the games are panning out. We have got to start playing from the first whistle.”

Sunday’s double took Phillips’ personal tally for the season to four goals and he is already just one behind his total across the whole of last season.

It continued an impressive start to the campaign for the 28-year-old, who also signed a new three-year contract last month.

But with boss Bilic having no shortage of attacking options, Phillips knows he cannot afford to let his form drop.

He said: “Every time you are playing you know you have to perform to keep hold of the shirt.

“Whoever has come off the bench has made a positive impact. Whenever anyone has been left out, their head hasn’t dropped.

“You look at Huddersfield and Kyle Edwards didn’t get on and he has been brilliant.”

Phillips continued: “In the second half of last season I had a couple of injuries and that hampered me a little bit.

“I love playing my football here and I am really enjoying being in the changing room with the boys. I feel we are going in the right direction. We are encouraged to express ourselves in the final third.”