West Bromwich Albion fought back from a goal down to defeat ten-man Aston Villa at Villa Park this afternoon.
All looked to be going well for Alex McLeish's Villa when Darren Bent put them one up from the penalty spot after 23 minutes. West Brom goalkeeper Ben Foster brought down Gabriel Agbonlahor inside the area and Bent stepped up to score his second goal of the season.
The match turned on an incident in the 35th minute which saw Villa youngster Chris Herd sent off. The midfielder tangled with Baggies defender Jonas Olsson inside the area and was handed his marching orders. Chris Brunt took the resultant penalty, but he shot wide of Shay Given's goal.
Olsson would come back to haunt Villa again moments later though. Brunt was more accurate on this occasion, sending in a corner which defender Olsson headed in from six yards out.
West Brom striker Peter Odemwingie thought he had sent his side into the break in the ascendancy, but his effort was ruled out for offside.
However, the visitors would not have to wait too long to take the lead. Just 11 minutes after the restart Paul Scharner was on hand to turn in another Brunt cross from close range.
The home side created little in response as West Brom move into the top half of the Premier League.
Liam Apicella
