There have been many memorable moments during Albion’s 12 years at the American Express Stadium: Will Buckley’s brace in the first league game against Doncaster Rovers, Vicente’s dribbling, nail-biting play-off games, promotion to the Premier League, Dunk’s defending, world-class players gracing the hallowed turf, Zamora’s and Murray’s return, beating the big six - some more than once…
So many to choose from, where do you even start?
But some games will be remembered for all the wrong reasons. During that incredible inaugural season - and just before Sean Dyche began his successful stint at Turf Moor - Burnley visited our shiny new home.
Albion started the day with the Championship’s poorest disciplinary record - and it soon became even worse.
In just the fifth minute, utility player Romain Vincelot was shown a red card for an off-the-ball incident involving Marvin Bartley. The Frenchman appeared to thump the Clarets midfielder in the stomach.
The Falmer faithful had barely had time to compose themselves before another Albion man headed for an early bath. Future Burnley stalwart Ashley Barnes reacted to an unpunished challenge by Chris McCann.
Needless to say, the home crowd were incensed, none more so than manager Gus Poyet when Craig Noone was sent sprawling in the box on 28 minutes. The Uruguayan threw his coat to the ground in frustration and then disappeared down the tunnel.
But the thing the game will be remembered for the most is how the Albion fans responded to the nine-men set-back. Those of a blue and white persuasion turned the volume up to 11 and the players reacted with a spirited performance, twice going close to grabbing an unlikely equaliser.
Lee Grant, between the Burnley posts, held firm until the final whistle.
Poyet summed up the match perfectly: “It was a really bad day at the office.”