Rodriguez investigation overshadows Albion’s win

WEST BROM finally won but Alan Pardew’s jubilation has been tempered by an FA investigation into Jay Rodriguez over allegations made by Gaetan Bong.

Both managers remained tight-lipped over the exact nature of the Cameroon international’s claims but television replays showed Rodriguez holding his nose when confronted by the Brighton player. Bong is then seen to tell referee Martin Atkinson he has been subjected to racism. Pardew said: ‘Knowing Jay I find it very difficult to understand that there has been an allegation of any kind. So we’ll have to wait and see. Jay claims that the allegation is untrue.’

Brighton counterpart Chris Hughton said: ‘Bong has reported Jay Rodriguez for something that was said to him. It’s being handled correctly by the referee and that will go through to the FA. The nature of those allegations will be made clear by the FA.’

Appointed at the end of November, Pardew could not have envisaged waiting until the middle of January before claiming a first Premier League victory, at the ninth attempt.

But the Hawthorns was bouncing for the closing stages as second-bottom West Brom homed in on ending a 20-game winless run that stands as the fourth-longest in Premier League history.

There were standing ovations for scorers Craig Dawson and Jonny Evans when they were subbed.

Evans is at the centre of attention in this winter window and delivered a display that underlines why Manchester City and Arsenal are admirers. If Evans is sold for around £30million, Pardew will be able to make the offensive signings he believes can trigger a surge to survival.

Brighton barely had a sniff and Hughton must do work in January himself if his goal-shy side are to avoid slipping into deeper danger.

The home side’s bright start was capped with a goal inside four minutes.

Matt Phillips took a flat corner, Rodriguez rose to flick on, and Evans arrived at the far post to head home with venom. The 30-year-old celebrated in a manner that suggested he would be content to stick around.

Dawson sealed the win 10 minutes after the break. Chris Brunt drilled across a corner and Dawson leapt high to head down and in.