WEST BROM 2 Dawson (10), McAuley (21) BOURNEMOUTH 1 King (pen, 5)
WEST BROM continue to exceed all expectations and remain surprise contenders for European football next season after beating Bournemouth at The Hawthorns.
Expected to struggle, the Baggies are flying high in eighth place in the Premier League and seventh spot may bring qualification for the Europa League – a position currently occupied by Everton, who are four points ahead of Tony Pulis’ team.
Bournemouth took an early lead through Josh King’s penalty, but goals from defenders Craig Dawson and Gareth Mc Au ley turned the game on its head before half- time as West Brom won at home for the seventh time in the past eight outings.
But it was only possible thanks to a superb injurytime save from Ben Foster to deny Tyrone Mings.
An exciting finale to the game followed a breathless beginning. Mark Clattenburg might have been hoping to keep a low profile in his first game since agreeing to become Saudi Arabia’s new head of referees, but he was asked to make a big decision after only five minutes when Allan Nyom clumsily brought down Ryan Fraser – and he pointed to the penalty spot.
King confidently tucked away the spotkick, sending Foster the wrong way.
There was a chance at either end, before West Brom equalised, with Chris Brunt sending a shot into the side-netting for the hosts and Foster helping a Adam Smith effort over the crossbar.
Dawson’s deflected strike from the edge of the box brought the Baggies level after 10 minutes.
It was West Brom’s 35th Premier League goal of the season – one more
than they managed to score in the whole of the 2015/16 campaign.
James Morrison saw a deflected shot go narrowly wide before Pulis’ side improved on that record by taking the lead in the 22nd minute.
Bournemouth keeper Artur Boruc failed to claim a corner, causing a scramble inside the penalty area, and McAuley was on hand to turn the ball in from close range.
It was a nice way for the defender to mark the 500th club appearance of his career.
Bournemouth received a reprieve at the start of the second half when Clattenburg disallowed Nacer Chadli’s headed goal.
Then, in the closing moments, Lys Mousset almost drew the visitors level, but his shot was tipped over.