Three things we learnt from West Brom’s 1-0 victory over Stoke City

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Morrison’s early goal decided the game

James Morrison’s early goal decided the game and it was the least that West Brom deserved after an impressive first half performance.

The Baggies came out of the starting blocks quickly and immediately took control of the contest. The hosts were sharp, energetic and played full of confidence – all things that Stoke City certainly were not. Salomon Rondon almost opened the scoring after just four minutes but his close-range finish was ruled out for offside, yet it was a warning that the visitors failed to take heed of. Two minutes later a neat passing move saw Nacer Chadli pick up the ball twenty yards from goal and play a beautifully weighted pass into the path of James Morrison who produced a smart finish to give West Brom the lead.

In truth, Tony Pulis’ side were dominant during the first period and Stoke were lucky to reach the half time interval just one goal behind. Rondon, Matt Phillips, and Morrison all wasted guilt edged opportunities to extend West Brom’s advantage and it was not until late in the half that The Potters threatened with headers from Ryan Shawcross and Joe Allen.