pREMiER LEAguE

TONY PULIS celebrated signing an extended contract in the best possible fashion as West Brom began the new Premier League campaign with a narrow win over Bournemouth at The Hawthorns.

Pulis, who will now remain as Baggies boss until 2019 after putting pen to paper on a new deal on Friday, saw new signing Ahmed Hegazi impress as he headed the only goal of the game in a strong display.

Another new arrival, Jay Rodriguez, also made a good impression. The £12million summer signing from Southampton, beset by injury issues recently, looked fit and threatened often inside the first 25 minutes.

A couple of decent saves from Asmir Begovic denied Rodriguez before the striker was just off target with a header and then a lovely curling effort from the left side of the penalty area.

West Brom deservedly took the lead after 31 minutes. Rodriguez had looked the most likely to open the scoring but it was another debutant who did so.

After Josh King fouled Allan Nyom out on the right, Chris Brunt delivered a free-kick to the far post and Hegazi’s downward header from three yards out found the net.

Bournemouth responded well to the set back and almost equalised straight away but Benik Afobe’s header flashed just wide and then Ben Foster had to be quick off his line to deny King.

The second half began in the same vein as the first, with West Brom on top but they couldn’t convert that into a goal again as Claudio Yacob hit the side netting with the best of the chances.

It was now Bournemouth’s turn to assert some pressure, although Eddie Howe’s team never troubled Foster with anything of real note.

The 64th-minute introduction of Jermain Defoe offered hope for the Cherries, but Hegazi and Craig Dawson defended well as West Brom held on strong to pick up all three points.