Stoke City are on course to cement their top-10 finish in the Premier League after taking the lead at West Bromwich Albion.
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The Baggies started brightly, but will be asking themselves why they didn't take the lead in the third minute when Stephane Sessengon contrived to hit the crossbar from no more than a yard out.
However, Stoke wasted a great chance to edge in front themselves on 12 minutes when Jonathan Walters steered a close-range header wide of Ben Foster's goal.
The Potters did take the lead midway through the half when good work from Marko Arnautovic and a well-placed cross came off Gareth McAuley, beating a helpless Foster.
Indeed, Pepe Mel's side struggled to contain the Austrian forward as he was allowed to shoot from distance, but his effort was off target.
Arnautovic then linked up with Walters before feeding Stephen Ireland, but his shot was blocked by the Baggies rearguard.
West Brom started to improve before half time, although they were unable to test stand-in keeper Thomas Sorensen.
Chris O'Keefe
