West Bromwich Albion manager Pepe Mel has hailed his players following Tuesday night's draw with Chelsea.

The Baggies, who are currently 17th in the Premier League table, rescued a point against the leaders courtesy of Victor Anichebe's late leveller.

Mel reserved special mention for the striker, saying that he would be key to the club's aim of staying in the league.

"Victor is going to be so important to our survival hopes," the Spanish coach is quoted as saying in The Mirror. "I've been impressed by him. But I was proud of all my players against Chelsea. Now they have to show me we have the right mentality to win."

West Brom are back in action on February 22 when they host fellow relegation-threatened side Fulham.