Saido Berahino strikes again but Baggies pegged back late on

Monday 20 Oct 2014
Berahino netted his tenth of the season for club and country
Saido Berahino says he is letting his “football do the talking” after netting his tenth goal of the campaign against Manchester United.

He continued his rich vein of goalscoring form as he looked to have secured West Bromwich Albion three points – but he was denied a famous winner late on as United drew level on 87 minutes.

The England Under-21 striker fired his side into a 2-1 lead midway through the second half, but a Daley Blind strike towards the end ensured that honours were even come full-time.

"When that chance came I backed myself to take it"

Berahino

“I thought we did really well,” Berahino told Sky Sports. “I felt that if I stayed focussed, when that chance came I backed myself to take it and I was happy that it went in.”

He added: “I’m just enjoying my football. I’m letting my football do the talking and the goals are coming.

“It’s just great that I’m contributing to the team.”

The Baggies were without their England international goalkeeper Ben Foster who missed out with a calf injury, but that did not stop them from shooting out the blocks at The Hawthorns.

They made a dream start as their early pressure was rewarded with a goal after just eight minutes. Andre Wisdom, who has ten caps for his the Three Lions at U21 level, galloped forward down the right flank. He surged deep into the United half before playing the ball across for Stephane Sessegnon to rifle home from 18 yards.

The visitors, who had senior international Phil Jones back in their defence for the first time since August, regrouped but failed to find an equaliser before the break – but they made an impressive opening to the second period.

Phil Jones tussles with Berahino

Phil Jones tussles with Berahino

Just over two minutes after coming on at half time, Marouane Fellaini fizzed a strike into the top corner after receiving the ball from Angel Di Maria to draw his side level.

Luke Shaw, who recently helped Gareth Southgate’s Young Lions qualify for next summer’s European Championship with consecutive wins over Croatia, was playing at left back for United, but he could do nothing to prevent his England team-mate from last week giving Albion the lead once again on 66 minutes.

Chris Brunt delivered an exquisite pass that cut through the heart of the defence, and Berahino was able to race clear of the opposition and cooly finish past David de Gea - his tenth for club and country this campaign.

Ashley Young, who has 30 caps, was introduced into the attack from the bench for the final 15 minutes, but it was Dutch midfielder Daley Blind who was to become the hero for the Red Devils – earning a share of the spoils with just three minutes remaining.

Joleon Lescott, who revealed earlier that he hopes to earn a recall to Roy Hodgson’s squad, played the full ninety for the hosts and Michael Carrick was an unused sub for United having returned to the squad after injury. Chris Smalling was also named alongside him on the bench.

By Gary Stonehouse Staff Writer