Report - West Brom v Newcastle

This game started with nothing to separate the teams but goal difference. However, on the pitch the gulf between the two teams was enormous as the Baggies ran out easy winners and they will perhaps feel disappointed that the goal difference on the day was not bigger.

Albion made only one change from the Everton game, Tchoyi coming into replace Mulumbu with Brunt moving to a more central position. However, the player of the season was not missed as the Baggies outplayed and outclassed a Newcastle team that at one point could only stand and watch as Albion played the ball around and through them with ease. It was a surprise that it took so long for Albion to take the lead they were so dominant. Somen Tchoyi was the man to break the deadlock after 32 minutes with a goal that mirrored the goal that he scored in the last league game. Shortly afterwards Tchoyi stung Krul's fingers with a rocket shot from a tight angle. The first half ended without Scott Carson being troubled with one shot.

The second half started somewhat brighter for the geordie boys but they were not really creating clear cut chances and the best effort that they had was a shot that squirmed past Carson only to be cleared by Cech close to the goal line. A Steven Taylor header forced a good save from the Albion keeper but it was the Baggies to score next following a gift from Danny Guthrie to Peter Odemwingie on the half way line. The Nigerian hitman raced forward and held off pressure from Taylor to drive a shot across Krul into the net and all but settle the game for the Baggies.

demwingie added a further goal a minute before the end of normal time after a defence splitting pass from left back Cech. The Striker rounded the keeper with ease before firing into the net.

There was consolation for Newcastle when half time substitute Lovenkrands poked the ball over the line after Carson had saved well from a Carroll volley. The Toon hitman had practically caught the ball in the lead up to his strike but the otherwise flawless Mike Dean somehow missed it and allowed the goal to stand.

Newcastle fans will no doubt be distraught at how easily they were beaten by a fellow promoted club. Since last season the Albion team have gone on to play a brand of football that is well suited to the Premier League with Newcastle appearing to be set up like Stoke City but without the physical presence. Substantial enhancements will be required to this Newcastle side if they are to avoid facing a relegation battle.

Odemwingie and Tchoyi will get the plaudits for their goal scoring exploits but Chris Brunt is the man that is really pulling all of the strings at the moment, his work rate was outstanding yesterday and he really pulled Newcastle to pieces with his movement and passing. Brunt is an exceptional talent that Albion will want to hang on to for a long time to come.

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