West Brom handed Premiership lifeline

Sunderland 0, West Brom 2 (half-time)

Derek McInnes gave West Brom a Premiership lifeline with a precious first-half double at relegated Sunderland.

The Baggies midfield pounced on keeper Mart Poom’s 39th-minute mix-up with Talal El Karkouri to open the scoring six minutes before the break and then slid his second home from close range three minutes later after the Estonian could only block a Jason Koumas free-kick.

The Black Cats went close twice in quick succession on 32 minutes when Kilbane whistled a long-range effort just over with the help of the slightest of deflections off Koumas and then Kevin Kyle jumped unopposed to head Thornton’s corner just wide with Hoult beaten.

Phillips got the bit between his teeth 10 minutes before the break when he headed for goal with only one intention, but he sliced his 25-yard shot well wide.

Hughes, who appeared to be struggling with a back problem, made way for Roberts a minute later, and his side took the lead six minutes before the break.

Neil Clement’s cross seemed to pose no real threat, but Poom and Talal El Karkouri collided as the keeper came over the top of the defender and when the ball dropped, Derek McInnes steered it left-footed into the empty net.

And worse was to follow for the Estonian international three minutes later when Poom was wrong-footed by Koumas’ free-kick, and although he saved with his legs, McInnes slid in to make it 2-0.