Saido Berahino came off the bench to set an average West
Bromwich Albion team on the road to victory and root Crystal Palace firmly to
the bottom of the Premier league table.
The England under-21 international replaced the injured
Billy Jones and on the stroke of half time controlled a great pull back from
Stephane Sessegnon from the left edge of the penalty area before poking the
ball home with a left foot volley. The goal was the home team’s first shot on
target in a poor first half which saw Palace striker Adlene Guadiora go close
with a left foot volley which was saved well by Baggies keeper Boaz Myhill. Guadiora was later stretchered off after a mid
air collision with Myhill left him with what looked like damage to his ribs.
The second chance
demonstrated why the Eagles are currently facing a long stretch in the
relegation zone. Striker Marouane Chamakh received the ball after Baggies
midfielder James Morrison was dispossessed in his own half. He strode forward
and instead of pulling the trigger, the former Arsenal player attempted to run
through two defenders and lost the ball.
The second half started exactly the same as the first with
both teams struggling to create openings. Palace grew in confidence and captain
Mile Jedinak nodded a corner narrowly wide.
The game was settled in the 83rd minute when
Baggies midfielder Chris Brunt whipped in a pinpoint corner from the left and
defender Gareth McAuley rose above the Palace defence to power the ball home with his head.
The away team finished the stronger but couldn’t convert any
of their chances, a point which caretaker manager Keith Millen highlighted
after the match. He said his team were unlucky to leave the Hawthorns empty
handed but the defeat leaves Palace firmly fixed to the bottom of the table
with just three points to their name. When questioned about a possible
successor to the recently departed manager Ian Holloway, Millen said no-one was
close to being appointed but the sooner a new manager was put in place, the
better it would be for all at the club.
West Brom manager Steve Clarke praised the performance of
Saido Berahino but pointed out he was still a young player with much to learn
and he didn’t intend to push him too far too soon. When asked about contract
negotiations, Clarke said the club was keen to get the England U 21 star tied
down with a new contract as soon as possible.
Berahino has scored 10 goals for club and country and being
touted as a possible late entry into the full England team for next year’s
World Cup in Brazil. Clarke was quick to point out that in his opinion his prize
asset was not yet ready to step up to Roy Hodgson’s side.
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