- Berahino scores first goal of season
- Villa without a win in five matches
- Controversy over Richards’ disallowed goal
- Rondon went close in either half but Guzan denied him
West Bromwich Albion beat Midlands rivals Aston Villa 1-0 at Villa Park on Saturday, as the Baggies rode a Saido Berahino goal just before first half to seal the victory.
In a scrappy encounter, the home side struggled to create chances but will have felt hard done by in the second half when Micah Richards’ header was ruled out by the referee as play was pulled back for a free kick to Villa.
With the win West Brom move up to 10th on eight points, while Villa drops to 17th on four points.
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It was a a slow start at Villa Park as the Midlands rivals felt their way into the match after Brad Guzan saved Salomon Rondon’s header inside the first minute. Villa had the best chance early on but Claudio Yacob brilliantly blocked Carles Gil’s goalbound shot to keep the score level at 0-0.
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Five minutes before half time Berahino scored the opener for the Baggies as a shot from James Morrison on the edge of the box went straight at the striker and he stuck out a leg to deflect it past Guzan. 1-0 to the away side.
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In the second half West Brom went close again as Rondon’s shot from the edge of the box was fumbled by Guzan but the U.S. goalkeeper got hold of the ball at the second time of asking.
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Controversy was the key word midway through the second half as Berahino was whistled for a handball on the edge of his own box, but the ball looked to have hit his side as the home fans screamed for a penalty kick. Moments later Jack Grealish whipped in a cross to the back post which Richards headed home but the referee whistled play back to give the free kick, as Villa boss Tim Sherwood was incensed on the sidelines.
Guzan saved well from Rondon’s header late on, and Villa never looked like equalizing as West Brom secured their second win of the season.