West Brom boss Carlos Corberan defends goalkeeper David Button after derby defeat to Birmingham
West Brom manager Carlos Corberan
West Brom suffered their third defeat in four games as Birmingham took derby spoils in a 2-0 win at St Andrew's.
Manager Carlos Corberan refused to blame David Button for the loss despite the keeper being at fault for both of the goals.
Manchester United loanee Hannibal Mejbri grabbed the opener after catching Button off guard and sneaking his free-kick past the 33-year-old.
In the second half, the goalie flapped at a corner and allowed Krystian Bielik to double Birmingham's lead.
"It would be easy to say we have lost because of David but I don't think so," he said, as Albion remained sixth in the Championship. "I know he is not going to be happy.
"What I proposed didn't work, our attack couldn't beat their defence.
"The team didn't perform. It took more than the usual time to adapt and with the first goal they played a surprise.
"The defeat wasn't by luck, we didn't perform well in attack. We were surprised by two set-piece actions, that was the difference in the game.
"They started very aggressively and surprised us with the first goal because we were waiting for a cross. They surprised us but we couldn't surprise them."
The Baggies, who have suffered three defeats from their last four games across all competitions, remain sixth in the Championship but could fall as far as tenth by the end of the weekend.
West Brom will now turn their attention to play-off rivals Blackburn ahead of their Wednesday night clash.
