West Brom boss Tony Pulis praised his side for their effort in holding on for a goalless draw at Everton on Monday night.
Joleon Lescott was whistled for handling in his box near the end of the first half, but Kevin Mirallas took it upon himself to take the spot-kick, only to fire wide.
Pulis did not want to be drawn on the penalty issue, and instead focused on the work rate of his own players as the Baggies secured a third consecutive clean sheet since he took charge.
"The lads worked very very hard," the manager said. "There are lots of things we have to improve on and obviously we have to do it quickly because we need the points to stay up.
"We've only had a few days to really get down to working with the team and the shape and today they worked so hard off the ball and put their lives on the line at times and we needed to.
"They've worked really hard. I don't think they've done a lot of what we've brought to the football club before but they've embraced it and they've got on with it and when you get results that's the most important thing because that sells it to the players.
"We're far away from being where we want to be but the spirit and the effort and commitment of the players and the way they got back into their shape at times was very very good."
Pulis also confirmed he has made a bid for Wigan winger Callum McManaman as he looks to add a winger to his squad.
"It is not just him," Pulis said. "We have had four bids for different players. We are just waiting to see what clubs want and then we will take a view. We wait to see what are value for money. Some have been rejected, some we are still negotiating."
Information from Press Association and Richard Jolly was used in this report.