Albion gave a number of debuts to a new-look Baggies side in Alan Irvine’s first game in charge. The new head coach selected: Foster, Wisdom, Dawson, Olsson, Pocognoli, Mulumbu, Gardner, Dorrans, Berahino, Brunt, Anichebe. On the subs’ bench were: Myhill (gk), Ideye, Davidson, O’Neil, Sessegnon, Yacob, Baird.
Sunderland lined up with: Mannone, Roberge, van Aanholt, Brown, O'Shea, Cattermole, Larsson, Rodwell, Johnson, Wickham, Fletcher. Subs: Pantilimon (gk), Bridcutt, Gomez, Altidore, Mavrias, Graham, Buckley.
First half
West Brom started off well until a wonder strike from Cattermole on 5 minutes – he’ll never score another one like that! The goal did not seem to knock west brom like it would of last season. The players picked themselves up and they passed the ball well. On the 42 minute mark, Roberge tugged Big Vic back and the ref pointed to the spot. Saido Berahino tucked it away very calmly to take Albion level as the sides headed in..
After the break
West Brom carried on to take control of the game in the second half. On 74 minutes Berahino got his second of the game with a very well taken strike. A couple of minutes later, a very tired looking Chris Brunt came off for another new debutant Chris Baird. As Albion neared towards a first win under Alan Irvine, Yacob and Sessegnon came on for the tired Gardner and Dorrans. But just a minute later, Sunderland were level. Larsson pulled a goal back when Wisdom and Dawson seemed to lose concentration.
On reflection
My man of the match was Craig Gardner, who played fantastic. New left back Pocognoli also played well. On the other hand, Dawson had a terrible game and looked like he did not want to play. At one point, Olsson seemed to slap him around the head and told him to wake up. The decision from Irvine to bring on Baird and Yacob was very strange and negative. People sitting around me were not impressed with the switch.
Dawson aside, the team put in a good shift as Irvine earned his first point as Albion boss.
Have your say on Albion's draw here at Baggies Banter.