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Live Commentary: West Bromwich Albion 2-2 Manchester United - as it happened

Relive the 2-2 draw between West Brom and Manchester United as Daley Blind scores his first goal in English football to rescue a late point for the visitors.
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Manchester United scored an 87th-minute equaliser to rescue a point against West Bromwich Albion at the Hawthorns this evening.

The Baggies took the lead inside 10 minutes when Stephane Sessegnon curled a sublime strike into the top corner, but half-time substitute Marouane Fellaini responded with a fine goal of his own shortly after the restart.

Saido Berahino then continued his good goalscoring form with a composed finish past David de Gea, but the spoils were shared in the end as Daley Blind opened his account for the club with a measured effort from 20 yards.

You can read how an entertaining clash unfolded courtesy of Sports Mole's live minute-by-minute coverage below.


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Good evening! Thank you very much for joining Sports Mole for the final match of the latest Premier League gameweek as West Bromwich Albion host Manchester United at the Hawthorns. Both sides have enjoyed an upturn of form in recent weeks and will be looking to continue that following the international break, so we should have an entertaining encounter on our hands tonight. Let's start with a look at the hosts...

It has been a rather mixed start to life under Alan Irvine for the Baggies, who were slow to get going initially under their new manager. However, there have been signs of improvement in recent weeks and, although their current position of 15th place - just one above the relegation zone - is a little precarious for their liking, a victory this evening would lift them into top half and potentially as high as sixth, depending on the winning margin.

The hosts did go into the international break on the back of a defeat, however, ending a fine run of three consecutive wins in all competitions. They will still take heart from how close they pushed Liverpool at Anfield, however, with Jordan Henderson's goal ultimately all that separated the teams in the end. The Baggies were, admittedly, fortunate to receive a penalty when the foul looked to have occurred outside the area, but even so they played well throughout despite the result.

They will certainly not hold any fear going into today's match, having also come up against the likes of Everton and Tottenham Hotspur already this season. They will take particular heart from the latter of those results having finally picked up their first league victory under Irvine at White Hart Lane last month, edging to a shock 1-0 victory over Mauricio Pochettino's side. Manchester United are level on points with Spurs at the moment this season, so the Baggies will fancy their chances of coming away with all three points in front of their own fans.

However, there are concerns for Irvine to deal with seven matches into the campaign. Top of that list will be the number of goals they have scored, with Saido Berahino the only player really contributing to that tally. They have only found the back of the net eight times in the league this season, with half of those goals coming in their emphatic 4-0 win over Burnley last month. Incidentally, the Clarets are one of just three teams, along with Aston Villa and Queens Park Rangers, to have scored fewer goals this season.

Things are a lot more promising at the other end of the field, however, with Irvine sculpting a relatively solid defensive outfit in the opening weeks. Only the league's top three - Chelsea, Manchester City and Southampton - have let in fewer goals than West Brom's nine. Averaging more than a goal against per game is not exactly ground-breaking defensively, but in a season where a lot of goals have been scored already it is certainly respectable.

Four of those goals have been conceded at home, but West Brom have only been beaten once in front of their own fans in all competitions this season. Everton are the only visiting team to have come away with victory, while the Baggies have won three, including one on penalties, and drawn one. Their last home game saw them hammer Burnley 4-0 at a time when the Clarets were proving to be stubborn defensively, and a similar performance tonight would certainly cause United problems. However, their home form in the league stretching back to last season is not great, with just two wins in their 12 league outings at the Hawthorns since New Year's Day.

West Brom fans will not read too much into this, but their side do not have a good record having been pushed back to a Monday fixture. They have won just two of their previous 18 outings on a Monday night, drawing seven and losing nine. Will that Monday curse strike again this evening or will they be able to get past a resurgent Manchester United side?

United boss Louis van Gaal asked to be judged after three months when he initially arrived at the club, but he has since admitted that those comments were a mistake. That may be because, three months in, he still hasn't exactly set the world alight at Old Trafford, with just three competitive victories to his name so far. He will be the first to tell you that it is a rebuilding process, however, and he will certainly not be too worried about the start his side have made.

That is particularly true as they appear to be finding a bit of form under the Dutchman. They come into this one having won consecutive matches for the first time since March - which of course means the first time under Van Gaal - while victory tonight would see them clinch three straight victories for the first time in 2014. It would also lift them back into the top four having spent the international break in the Champions League place - the first time they had occupied such a berth for more than a year.

The results have certainly picked up, then, but the performances are still not completely convincing for the Red Devils. Their two consecutive victories have both been by a 2-1 scoreline, against West Ham United and Everton respectively, and on both occasions they have been hanging on towards the latter stages. The Hammers had a late goal disallowed in their match, while only some heroics from an inspired David de Gea kept Everton from levelling and perhaps even winning United's most recent outing.

Results are the most important thing for United right now, however, with the performance aspect of it sure to improve as they welcome more and more players back from injury. It is fair to say that Louis van Gaal has not had the toughest start in terms of fixtures, but he has had to contend with a length injury list that has depleted his squad hugely and forced him to blood a few youngsters already this campaign. A number of those injured players are close to a return now, and it could be just in time as the likes of Chelsea, Manchester City and Arsenal await in United's next four matches.

There have been plenty of questions surrounding the Manchester United defence, which has looked shaky and flimsy due to a number of injuries and summer departures. However, their tally of 10 goals conceded in seven games, while not being great, is certainly not out of the ordinary this season, and only five teams in the division have let in fewer. Going forward, there is no question regarding the talent they possess, but they are already 10 goals behind Chelsea and are the lowest scorers in the top seven - albeit with a game in hand on those around them.

That incredible 5-3 defeat at the hands of Leicester City remains United's only league defeat since the opening day of the season, while they have only lost one of their last five outings in all competitions. They are, however, still searching for their first victory away from home under Louis van Gaal, having lost to MK Dons and Leicester and drawn with Sunderland and Burnley on their travels so far this season. That is something they simply must improve if they are to achieve their goal of finishing in the top four - an ambition that should be a minimum aim considering how much money they spent during the summer.

Indeed, they are now seven matches without an away win in all competitions stretching back to last season, while their five-game winless streak in the league is their worst run since 2001. It has been 18 years since they went six away league matches without picking up a victory, which would be an unwanted record for Van Gaal to pick up tonight. Perhaps most concerning of all is that they have conceded 10 goals in their four away outings this season, while finding the back of the net just four times themselves.

TEAM NEWS: The teams are in for both sides, and the headline news is that Radamel Falcao is dropped to the bench for this evening's match. Adnan Januzaj comes into the starting lineup, while Phil Jones and Ander Herrera return from injury to start. West Brom, meanwhile, welcome Andre Wisdom back into the side, while Boaz Myhill is handed a start due to Ben Foster's calf injury. Full team news for both sides coming right up...

Radamel Falcao of Manchester United gestures during the Barclays Premier League match between Manchester United and Queens Park Rangers at Old Trafford on September 14, 2014© Getty Images


WEST BROM STARTING XI: Myhill; Wisdom, Lescott, Dawson, Pocognoli; Gardner, Brunt, Morrison, Dorrans, Sessegnon; Berahino

WEST BROM SUBS: Daniels, Gamboa, McAuley, Mulumbu, Blanco, Ideye, Anichebe

MAN UTD STARTING XI: De Gea; Rafael, Jones, Rojo, Shaw; Blind, Herrera; Januzaj, Mata, Di Maria; Van Persie

MAN UTD SUBS: Lindegaard, Smalling, Carrick, Fellaini, Fletcher, Young, Falcao

So, what can we make of those two starting lineups? Well, as far as the Baggies are concerned all eyes will be on one man - Saido Berahino. The England Under-21 international has really come of age this season, scoring six goals already. Five of them have come at the Hawthorns, and overall he has outscored the rest of his teammates put together. He also netted the winner when these two sides met at Old Trafford last season, so will be full of confidence tonight.

The likes of Sessegnon and Morrison will look to give the youngster plenty of support from midfield, and they will be buoyed by the fact that United's defensive midfield area has looked lightweight at times this season. Meanwhile, captain Chris Brunt has recovered from a groin injury suffered during international duty to feature.

The loss of Ben Foster is undoubtedly a blow, particularly against such a potent strike force, but Irvine will be happy to have Wisdom back available. The Liverpool loanee have quickly become a staple member of his back four but was unable to play against his parent club last time out, with Gamboa filling in at Anfield. Lescott has proven to be a shrewd acquisition so far, and many of the West Brom set-up have credited him with playing a large part in the defensive improvement so far this season.

Looking to get past that defence will be Robin van Persie, who is expected to be a long striker in the absence of Falcao. Van Gaal has explained that the Colombian has jet-lag having arrived back from international duty two days after Van Persie, but it is still a surprise to see him left on the bench having opened his account for the club in their last outing. Even so, with Rooney serving the second match of his three-game suspension, Van Persie should provide plenty of threat tonight. He has a good record against the Baggies have scored four and assisted two more in his last seven matches against them.

Perhaps the biggest danger man for United this evening will be Angel di Maria, though. A lot of eyebrows were raised when United smashed the British record transfer fee for the Argentine, but he has shone since his arrival and is arguably the biggest reason behind the club's recent revival. He has three goals and three assists in his five matches for the club so far this season and, while question marks remain over the defence, with the likes of Di Maria at the other end of the field they will always be confident of outscoring opponents.

Of course, the likes of Mata and Januzaj boast impressive creative talent of their own, and Van Gall is blessed with great depth in that position. There was some controversy surrounding comments allegedly made by Januzaj's agent during the week regarding his lack of playing time under Van Gaal, but he has been given his chance tonight and will be eager to impress. United will also be delighted to see Herrera back following his broken rib as he made a fine start to his Old Trafford career, while Michael Carrick is noticeably on the bench as he continues his recovery from an injury of his own.

There has been a lot of talk over United's flimsy defence this season, but it is now starting to take the shape that Louis van Gaal would have envisioned before the season began. Jones is now back from injury, while Rafael, Rojo and Shaw also all missed the opening weeks due to various problems. However, Van Gall will be confident that his side will improve at the back with more recognised first-team players involved now, as opposed to the likes of Blackett and McNair, who have been used already this season when perhaps Van Gaal would have preferred to introduce them later in his reign.

PREDICTION: We're 10 minutes from kickoff at the Hawthorns, which means that it is time for a prediction! This is a tough one to call, with the Baggies steadily improving under Irvine and United looking increasingly dangerous under Van Gaal. The visitors have been poor away from home this season, but that could well change tonight against a team they have had plenty of joy against over the years. I'm going for a 2-1 victory to the Red Devils.

So, I'm going for a first away win under Van Gaal for United, but what does the Sports Mole Sofa panel think? Find out what they had to say in their preview of tonight's match below:


United certainly hold the history card over the Baggies having only been beaten once in their last 18 meetings. That defeat did, however, come at Old Trafford last season as Berahino netted to make it 2-1 to the Baggies. There has been just the one draw in that time too, and it was a memorable one as the two sides shared 10 goals evenly in Sir Alex Ferguson's final match in charge of United.

That is also the only time that United have ever dropped points at the Hawthorns in the Premier League era. In all, they have made eight trips to face the Baggies, winning seven of them and drawing that once at the end of the 2012-13 campaign. The Baggies will feel more confident now than perhaps ever before of ending that streak, although David Moyes's United did cruise to a 3-0 victory here in the corresponding fixture last season. Jones, Rooney and Welbeck scored the goals for United on that occasion, but of them only Jones starts this evening.

Right, the teams are out and we're just about to go here at the Hawthorns. Victory would send the Red Devils back into the top four of the table, while West Brom would move level on points with United with three points of their own.

KICKOFF: Here we go then! Mike Dean blows his whistle to get us underway, with West Brom kicking us off in front of a bouncing Baggies crowd.

Really bright start to the match from the hosts as they look to get on the front foot early on. Jones has twice been called into action as the covering defender already, and the Baggies are seeing the lion's share of possession in the opening exchanges.

It is all West Brom in these opening stages. United just can't get hold of the ball right now, and the likes of Di Maria and Januzaj are being penned back into their defensive duties rather than having any influence at the other end of the field. Really positive opening five minutes from the hosts.

Better from United as they keep the ball well for a decent spell of time, settling into a rhythm and taking the sting out of West Brom's good start. Di Maria eventually plays a poor ball out for a throw-in, but that was an important passage for United to ease them into the game.

GOAL! West Bromwich Albion 1-0 Man United (Stephane Sessegnon)

West Brom take the lead, and they do it in some style! Wisdom pounced on a loose ball on the halfway line and brought it forward with no red shirts blocking his path down the right wing. His cross is perhaps intended for Berahino, but instead finds Sessegnon, who fires a magnificent curling strike into the top corner from the edge of the box.

CHANCE! Big chance for United to respond immediately as Di Maria slides a lovely pass down the right channel for Van Persie, who has got the wrong side of the defence. He goes for a first-time effort on the turn inside the box, but Myhill is there it turn it behind for a corner.

This has been a good response from the visitors. I said just before the goal that they will have been happy to have had a little of the ball, but this time they have actually begun to threaten a little as well. Just as importantly, they have prevented West Brom from gaining any further momentum in front of what is a buoyant home crowd.

Di Maria has got his foot on the ball a few times for United so far and looks to be their most likely source of creating a chance, but so far Wisdom has dealt with the Argentine well.

SHOT! Rojo makes a mess of dealing with a long ball forward, allowing Berahino to take the ball down in the area and almost find space to shoot. Rojo eventually pokes it clear as far as Morrison, whose effort from range goes high over the crossbar.

Lovely move from United as they sweep the ball about quickly an accurately inside the West Brom half. It eventually comes out to Di Maria on the left, and he swings a beautifully-shaped cross into the box that Lescott has to clear behind for a corner.

SHOT! United are trying a lot of long balls right now, and they are causing West Brom some problems. This time Di Maria gets in behind Dawson and takes it down beautifully before releasing a snap shot on the turn, but it lacks power and Myhill is able to make the stop.

This time it is West Brom who try the long ball forward, and it very nearly reaches Brunt. However, the ball skims off the turf and through to De Gea, who collects right on the edge of his own box. These long balls are causing both sides problems at the moment.

Most of the Baggies' joy is coming down the right flank right now, with Wisdom racing forward at every available opportunity. Shaw has struggled at times, and Di Maria could do with helping him out a little more.

Agonising for Berahino as Sessegnon slides a lovely pass down the right for Dorrans, who in turn swings a very dangerous cross between the defence and goalkeeper. Berahino is arriving at the back post, but he is just inches short of making contact.

Berahino is looking really lively up front for the hosts here. He has caused the United defences a number of problems already, forcing them into mistakes with his busy play and relentless chasing of the ball. Coupled with Sessegnon's movement, that is proving to be a tricky partnership.

Di Maria is pushing very high the pitch with his defending, which is causing the West Brom defence problems at times but also leaving a lot of space in behind him should the Baggies find a way past. Shaw has found himself isolated on a couple of occasions already tonight.

Decent chance for United as the break down the right through Rafael. Van Persie eventually carries the ball into the box and cuts it into a dangerous area, but Wisdom reads the danger and makes an important clearance.

Brunt wins the ball back from Rafael inside his own half and immediately pings a glorious long ball forward top find Berahino. The England Under-21 striker gets to it before Rojo, but his touch lets him down and the ball runs free.

SAVE! Decent effort from Di Maria as he once again finds a bit of space around 25 yards from goal. He lines up a strike and puts plenty of swerve on it, which makes it difficult for Myhill. However, the keeper watches it all the way and beats it clear.

Well, with a third of the match gone West Brom will be delighted so far. They have played some lovely football, and Myhill has not really had too much to do. He has saved from Van Persie and Di Maria but, other than that, United's star-studded attack has not had much joy up there. So far so good for the hosts.

It is worth noting that De Gea has also had very little to do, but the onus is very much on United to make something happen now. The hosts are certainly not parking the bus and do look dangerous when they come forward, but so far they haven't broken through the United defence since the goal.

Di Maria has swung a couple of superb crosses into the box already this evening, but those in the middle haven't attacked them with any vigour. The West Brom defence have been able to see the danger out without being too commanding themselves.

CHANCE! Poor from Lescott as he shepherds a ball back towards his own goal instead of dealing with it himself. Van Persie nicks in and steals it before cutting back and going for goal himself, but his effort is blocked. Moments later, Morrison commits a foul on the edge of the box and receives a yellow card for his troubles.

What a waste that is. It is a free kick in a great position for a left-footer and, with the likes of Van Persie, Di Maria and Mata in the side, that should be dangerous. However, it is the latter who takes it and balloons a poor effort well over the top. I don't imagine he'll be getting the next one.

United have an element of control over the game now in terms of where it is being played and their own possession - 42% of the play so far has been in West Brom's third, although that is not being demonstrated in the chances created. The hosts have defended well tonight.

CHANCE! West Brom win a free kick in a good crossing position, which is fired to the back post by Brunt. Lescott gets up well to reach it but nods his effort well over the bar when he probably should have done better. Not a clear chance by any means, but a sight of goal nonetheless.

The fourth official indicates a minimum of just one minute added time at the end of this first half.

HALF TIME: West Bromwich Albion 1-0 Manchester United

Mike Dean brings an end to the first half, and it is the Baggies who go into the break with the lead against Louis van Gaal's Manchester United. It has been an entertaining encounter so far without many clear-cut chances for either side, and it is very nicely poised for a cracking second half.

The goal came inside the opening 10 minutes, and it was some strike from Sessegnon. It originated inside the West Brom half as Myhill's clearance was knocked out of the right wing by Dorrans, who had also drawn Shaw out of position. Wisdom collected the ball and raced into the space where Shaw should have been before cutting a low ball across for Sessegnon, who curled a beauty into the top corner from the edge of the box.

Aside from that, the biggest chance probably came just two minutes after the goal when Di Maria played a nice pass down the channel for Van Persie, who shot on the turn. He didn't catch it too well, however, and Myhill was able to make a decent stop at the front post. It was by no means a sitter for Van Persie, but still the Red Devils have not created a clearer chance.

They have struggled to break down the Baggies' defence so far, with their next best opening coming from a defensive error as Lescott failed to deal with a ball forward. Van Persie stole the ball off the former Manchester City man and cut back inside, but once again his shot was rather tame and Myhill was able to make the stop. In truth, the Dutch striker should have given it to one of his teammates, but you can't really blame him for going for goal himself.

Di Maria has been by far his side's brightest player so far, but his quality has not been matched by those around him. The Argentine created a chance for Van Persie and stung the palms of Myhill with a swerving effort of his own, but other than that it has been slim pickings for him. United have not played with enough intensity so far and have been dropping off West Brom at times, allowing the hosts to play some nice football.

The Baggies have taken full advantage of that, and continue to look dangerous when they come forward. De Gea has not had anything to do aside from picking the ball out of his own net, but the likes of Berahino and Sessegnon have not made things easy for the United defence, while the hosts are also getting plenty of joy down their right flank. They will be delighted with how that first 45 minutes went, and a similar display in the second half could see them pick up their first ever home victory over United in the Premier League.

I can't imagine it will be too long before we see changes from Van Gaal is things carry on as they have been. He had a word with Fellaini just before half time, and the Belgian has been warming up at the break, so he could be first on, He also has Falcao at his disposal, and the Colombian would surely pose more of an attacking threat.

KICKOFF: United get us back underway, and Van Gaal has indeed made that change at the break. Marouane Fellaini comes on for the second half, replacing Ander Herrera.

GOAL! West Brom 1-1 Manchester United (Marouane Fellaini)

Manchester United are level, and it is Fellaini who gets it just minutes after coming on at the break! He was brought on to give his side more of a physical presence in the area, and that shows here as he shrugs off Lescott to take down Di Maria's cross on his chest. He still has a lot to do, but does it brilliantly by lashing a powerful strike past Myhill from the edge of the box. What a strike!

I mentioned in the first half that United were lacking someone to really attack crosses in the area, and that is exactly what Fellaini has been brought on to do. Van Gaal made the relatively early change at the break, and he is reaping the rewards now.

This is much more like it from the visitors. They are playing with a much higher intensity now and pressing the Baggies higher up the pitch, giving them less respect on the ball. Crosses may not be the prettiest of tactics, but they are threatening from each and every one now with Fellaini in there.

United are really peppering the West Brom box with crosses now, and in stark contrast to the first half, the red shirts are now actively looking to get on the end of them. The hosts need to stop these crosses at the source.

West Brom are struggling to get out of their own half right now. United are swarming all over the hosts, and this is exactly the response Van Gaal would have wanted from his side.

It seems more a matter of when rather than if United will get a second goal right now. They are finding it all too easy to get in behind the West Brom defence down the right flank in particular at the moment, and that is leading to so many dangerous crosses being swung into the area.

Much better from West Brom as they keep hold of the ball for a good length of time, taking the sting out of the United response. This is almost an exact role reversal of the opening minutes of the first half!

Mike Dean has not made himself popular inside the Hawthorns here. Rafael falls to the ground and appears to cut off a through-ball with his hand, but the referee misses it and allows play to continue. Shortly afterwards, Lescott is penalised for a strong should barge on Januzaj, which draws more boos from the home fans.

Better again from the Baggies as they begin to pour forward in numbers. First Sessegnon gets into a good position down the left channel only to see the ball deflect off him and out for a goal kick, while Berahino gets crowded out in the area moments later. The youngster could have won a penalty had he gone to ground under a challenge from Jones there, but he deserves credit for staying on his feet.

GOAL! West Brom 2-1 Man Utd (Saido Berahino)

West Brom regain the lead! It is Berahino who gets it for his sixth league goal of the campaign, and it was a very composed finish from the youngster. He did really well to stay onside, helped largely by Rafael being a yard behind the rest of the defence, and he raced through on goal before curling it past De Gea and into the bottom corner. A really good finish from the in-form striker.

That really is poor for Rafael, who was lazy in getting back up to the same line as his teammates. As a direct result, the Baggies have regained the lead when it looked as if United were by far the most likely next scorers.

That was a very important time for West Brom to score as well. They had been under the cosh for the vast majority of the second half and, although the goal didn't come completely against the run of play, United certainly seemed to be on top. Now, however, the Baggies are full of confidence once more.

Rafael looks to make up for his error that led to the West Brom goal by racing forward into space. He is not closed down by the defence and can't turn down the shot, but he fires a poor effort well over the crossbar.

MAN UTD SUB: When in need of a goal, there aren't many better players to be able to bring off your bench than Radamel Falcao. The Colombian is introduced here in place of Mata.

PENALTY SHOUT! The visitors want a penalty as Pocognoli's hand strikes the ball in the area, but it was his momentum that carried him into the ball. He could not have done anything about it, and Mike Dean is correct to wave the claims away.

OFF THE POST! Falcao is already causing problems! Lescott struggles to deal with a long ball forward to the Colombian, only heading it down to Van Persie. The Dutchman fires his effort towards the bottom corner but, with Myhill beaten, sees the ball thud against the foot of the post. It rebounds to Januzaj, who can't keep the rebound down under pressure from a defender.

MAN UTD SUB: Van Gaal makes his third and final change as Ashley Young replaces Di Maria, who is not moving entirely freely right now. That is a big blow for the visitors as Di Maria has been by far their best player tonight.

Di Maria gets an ice pack on his upper leg as he sits on the bench, which will be a worrying sight for United fans already fed up of injuries this season. It looks like just a dead leg, but with so many big games coming up that will be a concern for Van Gaal.

A rare poor cross from Brunt as he turns down the chance to hoist it into the area from a free kick, instead playing it short and attempting to swing it in from open play. However, he only succeeds in hammering it straight out of play.

Gardner tracks back really well to put the ball behind for a corner following a good break down the left flank. The resulting set piece is met by Rojo, but he can only glance his header harmlessly wide.

All of the momentum that United had at the start of this half has been sapped out right now, and they don't seem to be going back to the tactic that made them so successful in that time, The crosses have dried up, although West Brom do deserve some credit for stopping that at the source.

YELLOW CARD! Blind becomes the latest name in the book and he can have no complaints following a cynical foul.

Time is running out for United now. It was hard to see how they wouldn't win this match the way they started this half, but that Berahino goal has completely changed things and since then it has been more like the United we saw in the first half.

WEST BROM SUB: A change from the hosts as Sessegnon, who set West Brom on their way tonight, comes off to be replaced by Youssouf Mulumbu.

GOAL! West Brom 2-2 Man Utd (Daley Blind)

United have the equaliser, so late in the game! Again it is a cross that causes the problems as Lescott can only clear it to the edge of the area, and Blind is waiting to place a lovely effort into the bottom corner. The Dutchman has had a pretty poor game tonight if truth be told, but he may have just rescued a point for his side with his first United goal.

That is a real blow for the Baggies, who were minutes away from the first home win over United in the Premier League. The visitors will be pushing on for a winner now, and Alan Irvine may be happy with just holding onto the point right now.

The fourth official indicates a minimum of four minutes added time as Fellaini hooks a tame volley into the arms of Myhill.

Again the Baggies fail to clear a corner to complete safety, and once more it is Blind who is waiting on the edge of the box. However, this time his shot is less accurate as he scuffs it well wide of the goal.

It is all very desperate from the hosts now as United pile the pressure on in the closing stages. They have gone back to peppering the box with crosses, and the Baggies are looking very nervous right now.

YELLOW CARD! Magnificent play from Berahino to take the pressure off his side before he plays it inside for Mulumbu. The sub is brought down by Rojo, who takes a yellow card to prevent the hosts from breaking.

FULL TIME: West Bromwich Albion 2-2 Manchester United

West Brom do hold out for the point, although it could have been even better for the Baggies. They lead until late, when United struck to rescue a draw. Even so, Alan Irvine would probably have taken a share of the spoils before the match, so he he won't be too upset with a point that lifts his side up a place to 14th in the Premier League table.

United, meanwhile, will have a mixture of relief and disappointment at that result. They left it late to equalise but were pushing hard for a winner in stoppage time, and the pressure almost told. A point is better than none, of course, but three months into the season and they are still without an away win under Louis van Gaal. They remain in sixth place, 10 points behind league leaders Chelsea.

The opening goal came nice and early for the hosts as Sessegnon blasted a superb strike into the top corner following a break led by Andre Wisdom. Marouane Fellaini came on at half time and made an immediate impact with another stunning strike just two minutes after the restart, but Berahino restored West Brom's lead with a composed finish having been sent through on goal by Brunt. It was Blind who rescued a point for the visitors with his first United goal, however, curling an accurate effort into the bottom corner.

Right, that is all we have time for this evening! Thank you very much for joining Sports Mole for what was another cracking match to round off an action-packed weekend of Premier League football. The spoils were shared at the Hawthorns courtesy of a 2-2 draw between West Brom and Manchester United tonight, leaving the latter still winless on their travels this season. I will leave you with our match report, and be sure to stick around for reaction, analysis and ratings. From me, though, it is goodbye for now!

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Manager Alan Irvine of West Brom looks on during the Barclays Premier League match between Southampton and West Bromwich Albion at St Mary's Stadium on August 23, 2014
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6Aston Villa178452626028
7Manchester CityMan City178362925427
8Newcastle UnitedNewcastle177552721626
9Fulham176742422225
10Brighton & Hove AlbionBrighton176742726125
11Tottenham HotspurSpurs1772839251423
12Brentford177283232023
13Manchester UnitedMan Utd176472122-122
14West Ham UnitedWest Ham175572230-820
15Everton163761421-716
16Crystal Palace173771826-816
17Leicester CityLeicester173592137-1614
18Wolverhampton WanderersWolves1733112740-1312
19Ipswich TownIpswich172691632-1612
20Southampton1713131136-256


Sports Mole provides in-depth previews and predictions for every match from the biggest leagues and competitions in world football.
Argentina's Lionel Messi kisses the World Cup trophy after collecting the Golden Ball award on December 18, 2022Sign up for our FREE daily preview newsletter direct to your inbox!