Ace predator Bent makes a point for Villa

Aston Villa 1 West Brom 1

While both had cause for satisfaction after an absorbing West Midlands derby ended with honours deservedly shared, the real winner was potentially England coach Roy Hodgson.

Darren Bent’s late equaliser — his 150th league goal — was a calling-card ahead of England’s World Cup qualifiers against San Marino and Poland later this month and Hodgson, in attendance, will have taken note.