Posting a first win since losing their manager at the end of 2024, West Bromwich Albion kick off the new year by beating Preston North End 3-1 in a lively Championship clash at The Hawthorns.
West Brom went in front when Josh Maja converted a left-wing cross from Mikey Johnston, before Callum Styles struck the second and Maja made it three before half time.
During the second half, Preston managed to reduce their deficit as Ryan Ledson benefited from slack Albion defending, but they were ultimately left empty-handed on their travels once again.
The visitors' away woes continue, after losing on New Year's Day for the fifth straight season, and they have still taken just eight points on the road this term.
Such form leaves them much closer to the second-tier drop zone than the playoff places, where West Brom reside.
SPORTS MOLE'S VERDICT
© Imago
Much has happened since these two teams last met just over a month ago at Deepdale, in a game that ended 1-1.
While Preston have improved their results, the abrupt departure of Carlos Corberan saw West Brom collect just one point across a pair of festive fixtures, losing 2-1 at Derby County before sharing the spoils with Sheffield United.
Albion - under the interim leadership of former players Chris Brunt and Boaz Myhill - were good value for their first victory since Corberan left, and they now sit fifth in the Championship standings.
Preston travelled south on a mission to record three straight league wins - having also lost just one of their last 10 - but they were caught short several times during the first half and could never really recover.
WEST BROMWICH ALBION VS. PRESTON NORTH END HIGHLIGHTS
Josh Maja goal vs. Preston (18th min, West Bromwich Albion 1-0 Preston)
Josh Maja back on the scoresheet for West Brom! ⚽️ pic.twitter.com/glwq0uf1Sy
— Sky Sports Football (@SkyFootball) January 1, 2025
After initially cutting in towards trouble on the left, Johnston then skilfully skips away from Liam Lindsay and Jack Whatmough on the edge of the area.
He then looks up and lays the ball into the path of Maja, who smashes low and hard past Freddie Woodman from near the penalty spot.
Callum Styles goal vs. Preston (35th min, West Bromwich Albion 2-0 Preston)
Styles doubles West Brom's lead 🔵⚪ pic.twitter.com/LwkHQyPozE
— Sky Sports Football (@SkyFootball) January 1, 2025
Albion double their advantage from a set-piece situation.
Preston are caught napping at a corner kick taken by Johnston, as Styles arrives on the edge of the box to fire low past Woodman with an angled finish into the bottom-left corner.
Josh Maja goal vs. Preston (39th min, West Bromwich Albion 3-0 Preston)
Josh Maja gets another! 3-0 to West Brom 🎉 pic.twitter.com/9yV3x9tEJB
— Sky Sports Football (@SkyFootball) January 1, 2025
The hosts' third strike comes via a dash of magic from Maja, who plays in Darnell Furlong down the right with a delightfully deft touch.
Then, the Baggies striker arrives in the six-yard box with perfect timing to tuck away the full-back's low delivery - capping off some superb forward play.
Ryan Ledson goal vs. West Bromwich Albion (70th min, West Bromwich Albion 3-1 Preston)
© Imago
Slack defending by West Brom allows substitute Milutin Osmajic to steal the ball on the left flank and then feed it inside to Ledson.
The latter beats his marker to bundle the ball past Alex Palmer from close range and reduces Preston's deficit to two.
MAN OF THE MATCH - JOSH MAJA
© Imago
After clinically tucking away Albion's first goal, Maja made his second - and the hosts' third - with some sublime skill that opened up Preston's defence.
That touch of class proved the difference, as West Brom were virtually unassailable when three goals to the good before half time, and he also led the line well after the break.
WEST BROMWICH ALBION VS. PRESTON NORTH END MATCH STATS
Possession: West Bromwich Albion 47%-53% Preston North End
Shots: West Bromwich Albion 12-10 Preston North End
Shots on target: West Bromwich Albion 7-5 Preston North End
Corners: West Bromwich Albion 3-5 Preston North End
Fouls: West Bromwich Albion 12-14 Preston North End
WHAT NEXT?
After starting 2025 with an impressive home win, West Brom will be on their travels at the weekend, while are next in action at Deepdale.
While the Baggies visit Swansea City on Saturday, Paul Heckingbottom's men return home to host Oxford United, looking to bounce back from another away defeat.
Jonathan O'Shea
