Wolves 2-3 West Brom: Matheus Pereira’s double secures Baggies win in Black Country derby

West Brom came from behind to claim victory in the Black Country derby as two penalties from Matheus Pereira helped them beat Wolves at Molineux.

While they remain in the relegation zone, it will provide fresh optimism about avoiding the drop.

Both spot-kicks came from clumsy tackles from behind on Callum Robinson, by Willy Boly and Conor Coady.

The penalties were similar too as Pereira sent Rui Patricio the wrong way. The first broke the deadlock after eight minutes, the second won the game 11 minutes into the second half.

In between, Fabio Silva and Boly turned the game on its head in the space of five minutes at the end of the first half, only for Semi Ajayi to level with a header straight after the restart.

The result extended a miserable run for Wolves, who since striker Raul Jimenez fractured his skull at Arsenal on 29 November have taken five points from nine games and slid down the table into 14th spot, with all the clubs below them having games in hand.

Battling Baggies extend derby record

After a nine-year break since the last one, this result extended an excellent West Brom record in derbies, which now contains just three defeats in 22 games.

They achieved victory without goalkeeper Sam Johnstone, who was absent following a positive coronavirus test, and with a vocal intervention from Allardyce.

Having spent most of the game in his dug-out, legs stretched out and arms folded, the former England boss finally came out to voice an opinion as his side, trailing and looking edgy, failed to execute what their manager felt was a routine clearance.

Alllardyce’s bellowing could be heard from the media seats. The instruction was clear – get the ball away from our goal quickly.

The advice was heeded and while he might not like the description, within minutes, his side had scored what might be regarded as a typical Allardyce goal as Kyle Bartley flicked on a long throw to the near post and Ajayi nodded it over Rui Patricio.

Pereira was nerveless with his penalties and while West Brom can hardly be relied on to either score regularly or keep clean sheets at present, Allardyce has apparently instilled some drive into his players.

With significant additions before the transfer window closes on 1 February, it cannot be discounted that Allardyce will maintain his proud record of never getting relegated.

More to follow.