Mike Dodds picked up his first three points as interim Sunderland head coach to banish any demons from his previous stint in charge back in February 2022.

Dan Ballard's header on the 70th minute mark opened the floodgates of a tight affair, nodding substitute Alex Pritchard's free-kick in at the front post beyond a scrambling Alex Palmer. 

Dan Neil added another in the dying embers of the game with a deft finish, dinking the ball over Palmer in the 84th minute - showing brilliant composure on the counter. However, the hosts had to overcome a nervy final few minutes, with Brandon Thomas-Asante scoring just a minute after Neil.

 

Here We Are Sunderland takes a look at some of the key talking points from the game...

Jobe Bellingham denied perfect response to 'thoroughbred striker'

Tipped for a Golden Boy nomination in 2024 by his older brother Jude earlier this week, Jobe was denied the perfect response by some poor officiating. The 18-year-old bundled the ball into the back of the net after Baggies shot stopper Alex Palmer spilled Adil Aouchiche's effort into his path in the middle of the the six-yard box. He made no mistake in finding the back of the net, but the officials certainly made one by denying the Black Cats an opener.

The assistant raised his flag for offside, even though replays showed the youngster was, at least, two-yards onside. Signed as a midfielder, Sunderland have in fact played their best stuff when Jobe has lead the line this season. His goal would have been the perfect gift to interim head coach Mike Dodds, who outlined his own point to prove in midweek. A versatile, fearless and quality youngster who is going right to the very top.

Penalty or no penalty?

You've certainly seen them given. The officials were at the heart of a number of big calls inside the first-half, but this one was less clear cut than Jobe's disallowed goal. Patrick Roberts' showcased his brilliant footwork to drive into the Baggies' 18-yard box, going down under the challenge of Jayson Molumby. Upon first glance, it looked like a stonewall from up in the Gods of the Stadium of Light press box, but upon closer reflection, Roberts had lost control of the ball and hangs a trailing leg to look for the foul. A close call but the officials probably got that one right - just.

Dan Ballard caps off impressive display

Outgoing Sunderland boss Tony Mowbray had lamented his sides inability to convert golden opportunities, with Ballard among those namedropped as one of those who should have done better in front of goal in the defeat to Huddersfield Town and the draw with Millwall last time out. Of course, West Brom fans will question whether the Sunderland centre-half should have been on the pitch after his heavy challenge on Maja earlier in the game. There was no controversy surrounding his opener. The Northern-Ireland international rose highest to nod Alex Pritchard's free-kick beyond Palmer to set the wheels in motion for a frantic finish. The centre-back was imperious all afternoon, although will be disappointed with the manner in which West Brom scored their only goal of the game. Substitute Brandon Thomas-Asante found the perfect pocket of space to nod beyond Anthony Patterson, with one of the visitors only shots on target.

Relief for Mike Dodds

The Sunderland interim head coach spoke about banishing the demons from his previous spell in charge of the club and he did just that. The defeats to Doncaster Rovers and Cheltenham Town will be long forgotten and hand him the perfect boost heading into the clash with Leeds United next week. Dodds spoke about giving a proper reflection of him as a coach and got the big decisions right today. The introduction of Pritchard in the second-half swung the balance of the tie in Sunderland's favour, the experienced playmaker producing two moments of quality for both goals. Dodds kicked every ball throughout the 90 minutes and even got a telling off from the fourth official for his passionate display. 

The return of Josh Maja

Former Sunderland striker Josh Maja returned to the Stadium of Light for the first time since leaving the club back in 2019. The Academy of Light graduate was the standout performers for Jack Ross' League One promotion hopefuls, but a refusal to sign a new deal saw him leave the club in January. Met with a smattering of boos from the home support, the Baggies forward had the first real chance of the game but was quiet aside from that. His afternoon was cut short following a coming together with Daniel Ballard. The Sunderland centre-half was shown a yellow card for his heavy tackle with Maja lasting just 36 minutes - somewhat fortunate it wasn't a red. The former Black Cats striker was unable to continue and met with chants from the home support who hadn't forgotten his controversial departure.