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Live Commentary: West Bromwich Albion 1-1 Tottenham Hotspur - as it happened

Relive Sports Mole's live text commentary as West Bromwich Albion share a 1-1 draw with Tottenham Hotspur at The Hawthorns.
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West Bromwich Albion have come from behind to earn a 1-1 draw in their Premier League meeting with Tottenham Hotspur at the Hawthorns.

Dele Alli gave Spurs an early lead when he raced onto Toby Alderweireld's ball over the top and slotted past Boaz Myhill.

The Baggies hit back and grabbed an equaliser moments before half time as James McClean thumped in a header from Darren Fletcher's cross.

After the break, Harry Kane saw a close-range attempt saved for the visitors, while Jonas Olsson's strike was tipped over by Hugo Lloris, as the game finished on level terms.

Find out how the action unfolded below.


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Good afternoon everyone! It's another big day of Premier League football with plenty of games taking place across the country. We've got each match covered for you live, with our focus here on West Bromwich Albion's clash against Tottenham Hotspur at the Hawthorns.

The Baggies will be looking for another positive result in a third successive encounter with London opposition. They stunned Arsenal two weeks ago by coming from behind to claim a 2-1 win, and they fought back again last week to earn a point at West Ham United.

Tottenham, meanwhile, extended their unbeaten run to 13 league games by playing out a goalless draw with Chelsea last Sunday. Mauricio Pochettino's side have impressed many with their recent displays and will be hoping to close the gap further at the top of the table.

I can tell you that the team news for this afternoon's match has now been announced, so let's take a look at which players will be starting when the action begins.

WEST BROM XI: Myhill, Dawson, McAuley, Olsson, Brunt, Morrison, Fletcher, Evans, McClean, Sessegnon, Rondon

TOTTENHAM XI: Lloris, Walker, Alderweireld, Vertonghen, Rose, Dier, Alli, Eriksen, Dembele, Lamela, Kane

WEST BROM SUBS: Lindegaard, Chester, Gardner, McManaman, Lambert, Anichebe, Berahino

TOTTENHAM SUBS: Vorm, Trippier, Wimmer, Winks, Onomah, Clinton, Son

West Brom have made one change from the team that played against West Ham last weekend, as Chris Brunt comes in for the suspended Claudio Yacob. It means that Rickie Lambert starts on the bench once again, despite his impact coming on at Upton Park, while Saido Berahino, who was the subject of a number of bids from Spurs over the summer, joins him among the substitutes.

Meanwhile, there are two changes to the Tottenham side that faced Chelsea last time out. Midfield duo Dele Alli and Erik Lamela are the players who return to the starting lineup, with Ryan Mason and Son Heung-min dropping out.

Lets take a closer look at each team now starting with our hosts West Brom. The Baggies didn't make the best of starts to the season and failed to win their first three games before a victory away to Stoke finally got them off the mark. They have steadily improved over the past few months, though, and have won three of their last six games to move safely away from the relegation places.

Salomon Rondon, Stephane Sessegnon and James McClean of West Bromwich Albion celebrate their team's second goal scored by Mikel Arteta of Arsenal during the Barclays Premier League match between West Bromwich Albion and Arsenal at The Hawthorns on Novembe© Getty Images


The most recent of those victories for the Albion came two weeks ago when they welcomed Arsenal to the Hawthorns. Olivier Giroud had headed the Gunners into the lead, but James Morrison quickly volleyed in to level the scores before Mikel Arteta turned the ball into his own net to put the Baggies in front.

Arsenal had plenty of chances to equalize in the second half and they were given a lifeline after being awarded a late penalty, but Santi Cazorla fluffed his kick as the Baggies held on for the remaining minutes to claim all three points.

They were forced to come from behind again in their next outing as they made the trip to Upton Park to take on West Ham. A stunning free kick from Mauro Zarate saw the hosts take the lead, but Winston Reid's unfortunate own goal ensured that the spoils were shared in East London.

Having taken on Arsenal and the Hammers over the last two weekends, a third team from the capital lies in wait for West Brom this afternoon. This time they will be taking on in-form Tottenham Hotspur, who are yet to taste a defeat in the league since their opening day loss at Manchester United.

tTottenham Hotspur's English striker Harry Kane (R) attempts an overhead kick by Chelsea's Spanish defender Cesar Azpilicueta during the English Premier League football match between Tottenham Hotspur and Chelsea at White Hart Lane in north London on Novem© Getty Images


Their outstanding form has seen them rise up to fifth in the table, and some have even begun tipping them as potential title challengers. It isn't just in the Premier League were they have enjoyed success as they are already safely through to the knockout stages of the Europa League.

Spurs showed more signs of their progress last Sunday as they played host to Chelsea. Although they were unable to add to their recent haul of goals, which has seen seem blow away Manchester City, Bournemouth and West Ham in the past couple months, they stayed resolute and battled to a goalless draw.

Much of the praise for Tottenham's rise has been given to manager Mauricio Pochettino who is in his second season at the club after moving from Southampton last summer. He has brought a number of young players into the team during his tenure, with 19-year-old Dele Alli impressing enough to win an England call-up after just a few months of experience in the top flight.

This is not a fixture that West Brom have enjoyed in recent years as they have claimed just one win from their past 11 meetings with Spurs. However, that victory came last season at White Hart Lane thanks to a second-half goal from James Morrison.

It was a different story when they met at the Hawthorns in January as two goals from Harry Kane and a strike from Christian Eriksen ensured a comfortable 3-0 win for Tottenham. The visitors also scored plenty of goals in a visit to the Black Country last April, as they came from three goals down to earn a 3-3 draw in a thrilling Premier League encounter.

Tottenham celebtare their third goal during the Premier League match between West Bromwich Albion and Tottenham Hotspur at The Hawthorns on April 12, 2014© Getty Images


With just a few minutes to go until kick off there is still time to check out our podcast previewing what to expect from today's clash.


I can tell you that the two sets of teams have just made their way out of the tunnel and to a rapturous reception from the supporters. Don't forget that we will also have every other Premier League game covered for you live across the weekend throughout the whole season.

KICKOFF! We are underway at the Hawthorns!

It's been a very promising start from the hosts, who have put their opponents under a great deal of pressure already. They are looking to deliver a number of crosses into the box to pick out Rondon, who has shown his danger in the air over recent weeks.

CHANCE! What a huge chance this is for Rondon so early in the match. The forward gets in front of Vertonghen to latch onto Morrison's ball through the middle before breaking into the box. He then gets the ball onto his left foot and tries to pick out the corner, but he can only fire his effort wide of the post.

While Spurs are seeing plenty of the ball at the moment, it's the Baggies who have shown the most threat in the final third. They seem content to sit back and allow their opponents to keep possession, before breaking at pace and getting lots of men up in support of Rondon.

The visitors have looked rather shaky in the centre of the midfield and they lose the ball cheaply to the lively Rondon. The Venezuelan then plays the ball wide to McClean, who tries to drive into the box, but Walker is back in time to cut out the danger.

GOAL! West Brom 0-1 Tottenham (Dele Alli)

Against the run of play it's Spurs who take the lead with the simplest of goals. A long ball over the top from Alderweireld should be dealt with by the hosts, but it is missed by everyone allowing Alli to creep in unmarked and slot past Myhill from just a few yards out.

Since taking the lead, Tottenham have looked full of confidence and they are playing the ball around between their midfielders with ease. They also seem content to wait for a chance to spring their attacking players through on goal, with Kane beginning to make some dangerous runs.

West Brom are really struggling to put together any positive moves in their opponents' half at the moment, despite a good start to the game. All of their moves are breaking down long before they get anywhere near the box and the support from out wide has dried up for Rondon.

This has been a very controlled display from Pochettino's side, who are showing more of the form that has seen many tip them as title challengers. They did look slightly open through the middle in the opening minutes, but have established a real dominance since taking the lead.

In recent minutes West Brom have won a couple of free kicks in some very promising areas, giving them the chance to get a number of players into the box. However, the set pieces have not caused any problems for the visitors, who have comfortably cleared everything that has come their way.

When Rondon raced through on goal and fired wide for the Baggies in the first few minutes, it seemed as if we would see plenty of goalmouth action today. That has not been the case as yet, though, with each team registering just two attempts on goal.

Spurs cause real danger when Kane wins possession just outside the box and lays it off for Eriksen. Instead of taking on a shot, he slides in Alli down the left, who gets to the byline and whips in a teasing cross that is cleared away just before Kane can arrive at the back post.

SHOT! The Baggies are given a chance to threaten when Dembele gives away a free kick after bringing down Sessegnon just outside the box. Rondon then steps up to take the resulting set piece, but the Venezuelan can only fire his attempt straight into the wall.

GOAL! West Brom 1-1 Tottenham (James McClean)

With six minutes left until the break West Brom drag themselves back into the game thanks to a first Albion goal for McClean. It's a fine move from the Baggies as Fletcher is slipped in down the right, before whipping a superb cross into the box that McClean heads past Lloris and into the roof of the net.

That goal has certainly made the world of difference to the Baggies who are now looking revitalised and full of confidence. It's worth remembering that they came from behind to lead Arsenal at half time, so maybe they sense they could do the same this afternoon.

SUB! West Brom are being forced into making a change just moments before half time, as Sessegnon pulls up and can't continue, with Gardner coming on to take his place.

There are going to be a couple of minutes added on before the break.

HALF-TIME: West Brom 1-1 Tottenham

So, we're all square heading into the break in this Premier League clash at the Hawthorns. Dele Alli continued his fine start to the season by racing into a long ball and giving Spurs the lead, but James McClean's thumping header has ensured that it is all to play for after the break.

Dele Alli of Tottenham Hotspur celebrates scoring his team's first goal during the Barclays Premier League match between West Bromwich Albion and Tottenham Hotspur at The Hawthorns on December 5, 2015© Getty Images


There can be little argument that Spurs controlled the first half for large spells and they did go into the break having racked up 62% of the ball. However, they have only managed three attempts on goal, with their only shot on target finding the net, while the Baggies have had four efforts.

Here's how things are looking in this afternoon's other Premier League fixtures. A double from Riyad Mahrez has given high-flying Leicester City a 2-0 lead over Swansea City. Arsenal have been pegged back by Sunderland to go in 1-1 at the break, while Manchester United are goalless with West Ham. Meanwhile, Villa lead Southampton, and Watford are a goal up against Norwich City.

RESTART! West Brom take the kick off and get the second half started!

CHANCE! Kane has not had many chances this afternoon, but he gets in behind the Albion defence to latch onto Alli's ball over the top. He then squeezes in a low strike that is stopped by Myhill, and before anyone can get onto the rebound it is scrambled behind by Dawson.

It's another dangerous move by Spurs as Lamela spins Fletcher and charges down the line. The Argentine then looks for Kane in the middle, but his low cross deflects behind for a corner, and from the resulting set piece he rises to head into the gloves of the keeper.

It's end to end at the moment and the game is becoming increasingly stretched. On this occasion, it's West Brom who break at pace with Gardner looking to surge into the box, but he is stopped at the final moment by a superb last-ditch tackle by Rose.

YELLOW CARD! After making that crucial tackle, Rose was hacked down by Morrison as he brought the ball clear, with the West Brom midfielder booked for the challenge.

Tottenham are being given quite a few problems by Rondon, who has the pace to get away from their defence. Albion look at their most dangerous when he is on the ball and they will be hoping to get a few more players up in support of him throughout the rest of the half.

SHOT! Spurs put together a decent move with Dembele found by Kane around 20 yards from goal. The midfielder then tries his luck with a low strike, but he fires his effort straight down the middle and into the gloves of Myhill.

SUB! Spurs make their first change of the afternoon as Son comes on to replace Lamela.

In recent minutes Spurs have taken a firm grip on proceedings and they are pushing Albion back deep inside their own half. With so many players behind the ball for the hosts, it is making it very difficult for Pochettino's side to fashion any shooting chances.

SHOT! Rondon causes more danger for Spurs and he forces Vertonghen to miscue his clearance. The ball then loops up and McClean races into the box to meet it with a header, but he can't generate enough power on his attempt and Lloris makes a simple save.

YELLOW CARD! Gardner is booked by the referee as the hosts prepare to take a free kick.

SAVE! What an incredible save this is from Lloris. The keeper reacts brilliantly to tip Olsson's close-range shot over the bar, after the ball had broken kindly to the Swede inside the six-yard box from a free kick.

YELLOW CARD! Kane is the latest player to be shown a card for a foul on Dawson.

SHOT! Lloris is called into action again to save a dangerous low shot from the edge of the box by Rondon. He momentarily allows the ball to slip from his grasp, but claims in time before anyone can follow up.

SUB! It's a second change for Spurs, with N'Jie coming on for Alli to play the final 10 minutes.

YELLOW CARD! There have been quite a few bookings in the second half and now Dembele is cautioned for a foul on McClean.

YELLOW CARD! Within a couple of minutes of being fouled by McClean, the Irishman goes in with a late tackle on the Spurs midfielder and earns a deserved booking. It was a reckless challenge and he is perhaps lucky not to see red.

This is a close call from the linesman as N'Jie breaks past the defence and latches onto Demebele's through ball. The flag is immediately raised against the substitute for offside, but a look at the replays suggest that he was in line with the Albion defence.

CHANCE! What a big opportunity this is for West Brom to claim the points. The Baggies break quickly and eventually work it to McClean down the left-hand side of the box. The Irishman then flashes in a brilliant low delivery across the six-yard box, but none of his teammates are there to apply the finishing touch.

There are going to be at least three minutes of stoppage time.

This would have been quite some way to win a match, as Rondon spots Lloris well off his line and goes for goal. However, the Venezuelan gets it all wrong and fires the ball well wide of the goal, with the action moments away from finishing now.

FULL-TIME: West Brom 1-1 Tottenham

It's all over at the Hawthorns and there has been nothing to separate the teams this afternoon. Dele Alli and James McClean's goals in the first half could not be added to after the break, despite plenty of action and chances at both ends of the pitch.

That result does extend Tottenham's unbeaten league run to 14 games, while it also sees West Brom move a further nine points clear of the bottom there. Right, our coverage is over here, but we've got more Premier League action coming up for you now, as Chelsea take on Bournemouth. I hope you enjoy the rest of your weekend. Goodbye!

James McClean of West Bromwich Albion (14) beats goalkeeper Hugo Lloris of Tottenham Hotspur to score their first goal during the Barclays Premier League match between West Bromwich Albion and Tottenham Hotspur at The Hawthorns on December 5, 2015© Getty Images


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Jamie Vardy of Leicester City celebrates scoring his team's first goal during the Barclays Premier League match between Leicester City and Manchester United at The King Power Stadium on November 28, 2015 in Leicester, England.
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