Steve Clarke defends West Bromwich Albion players

Steve Clarke has insisted that his West Bromwich Albion squad are determined to win every fixture that they play in.

Some pundits have suggested that with a finish in the top half of the Premier League table all but guaranteed, some of the players may take it a little easier during the remaining weeks of the campaign.

However, speaking after his side's 2-1 loss at home to Arsenal this afternoon, Clarke decided to stand up for his players.

"The response was good. The performance deserved to get something from the game. I don't think you can say we took it easy or didn't display a determination to get something from the game," he told reporters.

Next up for the Baggies is a home encounter against Newcastle United.