Tony Pulis hails West Brom but Tim Sherwood frustrated as Villa lose

Despite the introduction of Rudy Gestede at half-time, West Brom continued to look the better side.

On his first start since his failed attempt to join Spurs on transfer deadline day, Berahino turned in the only goal just before half time to give Tony Pulis’ Baggies a second win in three games and hoist them into the top half of the table.

“He is very young and very impressionable and I’m sure if he could have done it again he would have done it differently”, said Pulis. I wouldn’t deny that the players were at fault but ultimately it is the manager who has to assess what the moment needs, and make adjustments accordingly.

“We knew that would be hard [to get new signings to play together] but it was a needs-must situation”.

He found Rondon to lay off for Morrison, and his 18-yard effort was deliberately deflected past Guzan by Berahino.

The Baggies are yet to concede a goal away from home this season after keeping clean sheets away to Stoke and Watford. Guzan will have another tough matchup next Saturday when Villa travel to Anfield to take on Liverpool.

Their breakthrough came soon before the break when Berahino stuck out a foot to steer James Morrison’s shot home.

Berahino looked to be inside the area when he blocked Alan Hutton’s cross, with referee Martin Atkinson giving a free-kick for handball just outside the box.

West Brom have had the oldest starting XI on average this season in the Premier League (29 years 206 days).

At the conclusion of the match thousands of Aston Villa fans spilled over the barricade and onto the pitch to celebrate with their team and harass their opponents.

Boss Tim Sherwood has sent his goalkeeper coach to watch the £1m-rated stopper, 19, twice already this season. “That’s not in a big-headed way, that’s just what I believe and I think I’ve proved that”.

He said: “This is a transition period at this club”.

“If our points marry our performances then we should have a lot more than four”.

“Looking on a positive nature we are moving in the right direction”.

“It’s not a case of backing him, they know he’s a good player”.

“There’s no need for panic”. And Sherwood wants supporters to stay in their seats even if his side win the game. The performances haven’t been as bad as the result, though today is an exception as I’m disappointed.