West Bromwich Albion sealed a crucial 1-0 win over West Ham United at the Hawthorns on Saturday, as Baggies boss Pepe Mel sealed his first home win since arriving in January.
The Baggies scored after 11 minutes, as Saido Berahino’s finish from close range proved to be enough to see off the Hammers. Andy Carroll had plenty of chances for the visitors but he came up against an inspired Ben Foster in goal for West Brom as the England international made two stunning saves in the first half to deny Carroll.
A nervy ending played out, as the home side hung on despite relentless pressure from West Ham.
With the win West Brom now give themselves a five-point cushion above the relegation zone, while West Ham are only six points above the drop zone after losing their fourth-straight game.
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Early on it was all West Ham, as Ben Foster denied Andy Carroll at the near post from close range after Kevin Nolan laid the ball back to Carroll inside the area. A driving run from Stephane Sessegnon set up Morgan Amaliftano who whipped the ball across the goal and Berahino scored his first goal in 15 games by crashing the ball home into the roof of the net.
Despite going ahead West Brom were living life dangerously, as Carroll then turned provider for Nolan but just as the West Ham skipper was about to finish the ball was cleared away for a corner. Carroll was then denied after a superb stop from Foster, with Guy Demel’s cross finding the England international at the back post but his diving header was clawed away to safety. Both teams continued to pour forward in the rain as Demel saw his effort saved by Foster at the near post, then Berahino broke free as the Baggies countered and the ball fell to Graham Dorrans but he smashed his effort just wide.
After the break the Hammers tried to get back into the game as they controlled most of the possession at a slightly nervy Hawthorns. The sun was out, at last, as West Ham piled on the pressure by launching plenty of balls into the box which kept Foster on his feet. Sessegnon was causing problems on the right win, as the Frenchman cut inside and slammed an effort into the side netting as West Brom broke free. Carroll continued his personal duel with Foster, as the powerful forward headed wide of the near post with West Ham going for it.
In the 61st minute Berahino should’ve had his second of the game as he was set up by Sessegnon six yards out but tamely stuck his effort straight at Adrian as the Baggies pushed to go 2-0 up. West Brom were by far the better side as the second half wore on but they couldn’t extend their lead. In comparison West Ham were lackluster in attack, as a banner reading “Fat Sam Out” was unfurled by the away fans.
West Brom did hang on to seal a massive three points, as the Baggies inch closer to securing their place in the PL next season.
LINEUPS
West Bromwich Albion: Foster, Reid (Morrison, 47'), Dawson, Olsson, Jones, Amalfitano, Mulumbu, Dorrans, Brunt, Sessegnon (Anichebe, 81'), Berahino (Yacob, 91')
Goal: Berahino (11')
West Ham United: Adrian, Demel, Tomkins (Collins, 33'), Reid, McCartney, Nolan, Noble, Diame, Jarvis (C. Cole, 79'), Carroll, Downing (J. Cole, 67')