Di Matteo keeps lid on form

West Brom manager Roberto Di Matteo has warned his side not to get too carried away with their impressive season back in the Premier League.

The Baggies have won away at Arsenal, held Manchester United at Old Trafford and beat Everton 4-1 at Goodison Park last weekend.

But ahead of their clash with fellow promoted Newcastle on Sunday, the West Brom manager has pleaded for calm.

“I can only speak for ourselves and I think we are pleased with the points we have at this stage of the season,” he said.

“But we realise you can go down the table very quickly, as you can go down it very quickly. With a couple of wins you go up and with three or four games without a win you slide down.”

“It’s all very narrow and tight but as a newly promoted club you need a good start to give yourselves a chance.”

“Then in December and January there are some important times because you play a lot of games and your squad can be stretched.”

Newcastle have also enjoyed a positive season to date but there has been speculation that Chris Hughton could lose his job – something that Di Matteo struggles to believe.

He added: “I just find that incredible. He has done such a brilliant job since last year, when he was temporary manager.”

“Basically he has stabilised the club and got them promoted and got them in a good position.”

“Yet he is being questioned. It is incredible and as a fellow manager I can’t believe it.”

Romanian centre-half Gabriel Tamas is set to play having signed a new three-and-a-half year contract but Chris Brunt and Peter Odemwingie are doubtful.