West Brom lost out in the big game at Villa Park this afternoon as they surrendered a lead to lose 2-1 to Dean Smith's side.

A goal in the first half had given the Baggies a solid 1-0 lead to take into the second half, but a disastrous period of play which saw Villa net twice and then Dwight Gayle see red in the final minutes cost the Baggies the game.

However, there was still optimism from the West Brom players following the game, not least from striker Jay Rodriguez, who took the time out to issue something of a rallying cry in his comments to the club's official website following the game.

The former Southampton striker will know more than ever that he has big responsibility on his shoulders heading into the game, with Gayle missing and Rodriguez now having to take the heavy load of being the main man in front of goal for the Baggies.

However, Rodriguez has a point with his comments and there is indeed no major reason for West Brom's players to be really down in the dumps following the loss.

The Verdict

Rodriguez is right to have some confidence in his teammates and but for a Jed Steer wonder save he might have been on the scoresheet himself today.

He will however need to be at his best if the Baggies are to get to Wembley, and he will know that deep down.

Still, anything can be done, and with only one goal in it, West Brom and Rodriguez will be confident of turning things round.