Christian Benteke's injury-time penalty has given Aston Villa a 2-1 win against local rivals West Bromwich Albion in this evening's Premier League clash at Villa Park, lifting Tim Sherwood's charges out of the bottom three in the process.
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The hosts began the game nervously as clumsy play in defence nearly allowed Saido Berahino through on goal, but they were able to make amends and get the ball away.
Fifteen minutes in, Ben Foster fumbled a Gabriel Agbonlahor shot through his legs, but the former England stopper was able to get back and scoop the ball off the line.
It mattered little for Villa because they went on to take the lead in the 22nd minute, as Benteke flicked the ball on for Agbonlahor, who beat his man to bear down on goal and fire home through the keeper's legs.
The England striker continued to torment the Baggies defence, using his pace to beat the opposition defence once again, but Foster did just enough to stop the ball's momentum, before Joleon Lescott cleared.
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On the stroke of half time, Villa skipper Fabian Delph worked some space from the left of the area before curling a strike towards goal, but it cannoned off the base of the post.
It was more of the same after the restart as Agbonlahor weaved past several West Brom defenders before Lescott clattered into the forward, earning himself a booking in the process.
The visitors fashioned a great chance of their own moments later, however, with Craig Dawson beating Jose Okore to meet a delivery from Chris Brunt at the near post, but the header flew over the bar.
Villa were eventually made to pay for their missed chances earlier on because, in the 66th minute, Lescott headed a corner back into the goalmouth and Berahino bundled home from four yards out.
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Following the goal, West Brom broke from a corner as Berahino picked out James Morrison, but despite being clean through, he squared it for Brown Ideye, with Okore subsequently clearing away.
Just when it seemed like both sides would share the spoils, Foster brought down Matthew Lowton in the box, prompting the referee to award Villa a penalty.
Benteke stepped up to the spot and coolly slotted the ball into the corner to send the Villa Park crowd wild and secure his struggling side three much-needed points.
The result means that Villa climb to 17th in the Premier League table, while West Brom remain in 13th place.
Giuseppe Labellarte
