WEST BROM boss Bryan Robson reckons some of his players let relegation nerves get to them against Saints.

The Baggies' goalless draw against Saints means they have only taken two points from their last three games - all of which have been proverbial six pointers.

A 2-2 draw at home to Crystal Palace three weeks ago was followed by a last minute 3-2 defeat against Norwich City four days later.

And last night they were lucky to get away with a point against a team that had started the night just two points and one place above them.

It was only the second clean sheet Saints had kept on their travels in the Premiership all season, and only their third since a 0-0 draw at Bolton on November 8, 2003.

Robson said: "There were some outstanding performances from a few of my players but there were others who were below par - the occasion must have got to them.

"We did well in the first half but in the second we didn't pass the ball nearly as well and that's happened in too many games recently.

"We didn't create nearly as many chances as we have been doing and the only thing I can put my finger on is maybe a few nerves affecting certain players.

"At least we're another point closer to Norwich and Crystal Palace but the team is disappointed that we haven't closed the gap even more."

The West Brom boss, who was without the virus-hit Kanu last night, added: "All four teams will continue to scrap, there's still a long way to go, but it would have made our task that little bit easier if we had won one of our last three games.

"We should have beaten Palace here and we should also have won at Norwich where we played very well.

"At least we're unbeaten in five home games, which is something to build on, and we feel we've got games to come where we've got a chance.

"And there were some positives against Southampton.

"Russell Hoult has come in for a lot of criticism but he was outstanding towards the end and Kieran Richardson gives us a really good attacking option from midfield with his pace and touch on the ball."