West Bromwich Albion 1-0 Sunderland: Controversial Berahino Goal Downs Black Cats

A controversial goal from Berahino was enough for West Brom to beat a Sunderland side that are still searching for their first win.

Sunderland made a confident start and they had the first opportunity on 11 minutes as Cattermole and Fletcher saw efforts well blocked in quick succession. From the resulting corner Billy Jones had a header tipped over as the Black Cats began to get a foothold in the game.

The first half ended with West Brom on the front foot, however in a first half of nearly no chances to report it was Sunderland who were dominant for most of the half as they controlled possession and created the games only real chance.

After Sunderland controlled the first half they gifted West Brom the opening goal on 53 minutes. Pantilimon dropped a standard cross in front of goal under pressure from Berahino, allowing the frontman to tap into the empty net. It did look as though Berahino had fouled Pantilimon and handed the ball although you’d expect a keeper of Pantilimon’s stature to be stronger in that situation.

Sunderland started to find their feet again after a period of West Brom pressure after the goal and came close through M’Vila as his shot was parried away by Myhill. The Black Cats also had a penalty appeal turned down when Sessegnon appeared to bring down Jones in the box but the referee gave a goal kick. But that was as good as it got for Sunderland as West Brom seen out the dying minutes comfortably.

There was plenty of effort shown from the Black Cats but it was the same old story yet again from Sunderland as more individual errors have cost the Black Cats more points as they spurn another chance to get their first win.

West Bromwich Albion (4-4-2): Myhill, Brunt, McAuley, Dawson, Evans, Sessegnon, Yacob, McClean, Fletcher, Berahino (Gardner 79’), Rondon (Lambert 70’).

Subs: Lindegaard, Olsson, Chester, Gardner, Anichebe, Lambert, McManaman

Goals: Berahino (53’)

Sunderland (4-3-3): Pantilimon, Jones, Yedlin, Kaboul, O’Shea, M’Vila, Cattermole, Larsson (Johnson 60’), Gomez (Defoe 71’), Borini, Fletcher (Graham 75’).

Subs: Mannone, Van Aanholt, Brown, Bridcutt, Johnson, Graham, Defoe.

Goals: None