A dominant Aston Villa are leading local rivals West Bromwich Albion 1-0 in this evening's Premier League clash at Villa Park.
© Getty Images
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 man 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 Christian 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 them once again, but Foster did just enough to stop the ball's momentum before Joleon Lescott cleared.
Villa ended the first half on a high, with skipper Fabian Delph working some space from the left of the area before curling a strike towards goal, which cannoned off the base of the post.
Giuseppe Labellarte
