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Highlights
Ahmed's head

West Brom 1 Bournemouth 0 – MATCH HIGHLIGHTS: Ahmed Hegazi’s debut goal for Baggies seals win for Tony Pulis’ side

The Egyptian centre-back headed home in the first half from a Chris Brunt free-kick as they secure three points at the Hawthorns

EGYPTIAN defender Ahmed Hegazi made a ‘Pharaoh,’ start to his West Brom career, scoring after half an hour of his Premier League debut  to bury Bournemouth.

The 6ft5” powerhouse soared above Andrew Surman and stretched to head Chris Brunt’s in-swinging free kick through Asmir Begovic’s legs from close range.

 West Brom debutant Ahmed Hegazi scored in the first half as his header found the bottom left corner
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West Brom debutant Ahmed Hegazi scored in the first half as his header found the bottom left cornerCredit: PA:Press Association
 The Baggies celebrate after the opener at the Hawthorns against Bournemouth
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The Baggies celebrate after the opener at the Hawthorns against BournemouthCredit: PA:Press Association

The giant stopper has quickly emerged as a cult figure with Baggies fans after impressing in pre-season at the Asia Trophy in Hong Kong with his muscular style and no-nonsense defending.


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Tony Pulis has been linked with moves for Barcelona’s Thomas Vermaelen and Middlesbrough’s Ben Gibson.

However Hegazi looks a real steal as Albion have landed him on a year’s loan deal from Egyptian Premier League side Al Ahly, with an option to buy the 26-year-old.

The fact Albion’s winner should come from a set-piece should surprise no-one. Tony Pulis’s side have cornered the market in dead-ball situations and 49% of their goals last season came from set plays.

Despite having a fraction of Bournemouth’s possession (the Cherries had 70% of the ball in the first half) – Albion did more with their 30% and looked a constant threat on the break.

Tony Pulis raised eyebrows by benching last season’s top scorer Salomon Rondon at the start but his replacement, £12million summer signing Jay Rodriguez, was a constant threat with his pace and willingness to shoot on sight.

 Summer signings Nathan Ake and Jay Rodriguez contest for the ball
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Summer signings Nathan Ake and Jay Rodriguez contest for the ballCredit: PA:Press Association
 Jake Livermore of West Brom battles for the ball with Cherries ace Marc Pugh
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Jake Livermore of West Brom battles for the ball with Cherries ace Marc PughCredit: PA:Press Association
 West Brom boss Tony Pulis and assistant coach Gary Megson react during the clash against Bournemouth
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West Brom boss Tony Pulis and assistant coach Gary Megson react during the clash against BournemouthCredit: PA:Press Association

He proved a real handful for Eddie Howe’s side forcing Begovic into a hat-trick of first half saves before he almost scored a sensational opener with a clever curling shot which crept inches wide of the far post, shortly before Hegazi’s opener.

Eddie Howe tried to play it safe with Jermaine Defoe’s groin strain, leaving his summer signing on the bench at the start.

However the desperate Cherries boss sent him on Benik Afobe after 64 minutes as his side failed to make any impression on Baggies’ well-drilled defence.

Ben Foster raced from his line a couple of times to deny Charlie Daniels and Josh King with brave saves at their feet.

But Bournemouth lacked any cutting edge and Albion thoroughly deserved their first win since mid-March – having taken just two points from their last nine games last season!


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FACTS, STATS, GOALS & LOLS

  • Goalscorer Ahmed Hegazi is nicknamed ''Nesta of the Pyramids' in his homeland of Egypt.
  • It didn't take long for West Brom to score from a set piece in the new season after Hegazi headed the Baggies in front after 31 minutes.
  • In his 10th campaign at the Hawthotns, Chris Brunt registered his 44th assist after a beautiful whipped in free-kick.
  • Bournemouth have lost all three of their opening matches in the Premier League.
 The Bournemouth fans didn't have too much to cheer about at the Hawthorns
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The Bournemouth fans didn't have too much to cheer about at the HawthornsCredit: PA:Press Association
 Ahmed Helgazi netted on his debut for West Brom
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Ahmed Helgazi netted on his debut for West BromCredit: Reuters
  • West Brom have now won back-to-back matches in the top-flight, but have still only won three times in their last 12 opening games
  • Jermain Defoe came on the in the 63rd minute for his second debut for the Cherries.
  • He has scored in five opening day fixtures - only Wayne Rooney has scored more.
 It was a fantastic debut for the Egyptian star who looks to be a hit in the Premier League
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It was a fantastic debut for the Egyptian star who looks to be a hit in the Premier LeagueCredit: Reuters
 Amir Begovic watches on as Jay Rodriguez fires a shot in on goal
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Amir Begovic watches on as Jay Rodriguez fires a shot in on goalCredit: Reuters
  • Hal Robson-Kanu who made 25 Premier League sub appearances last season - a division high, came on in the 71st minute.
  • Dawson was lucky not to have given away a penalty in the closing ten minutes after colliding with Nathan Ake fromma free-kick.

WHAT THEY SAID

To follow...

SOCIAL SAYS

DREAM TEAM RATINGS

West Brom: Foster 7, Nyom 6, Dawson 7, Hegazi 8, Brunt 7, Yacob 7, Phillips 7 (Robson-Kanu 71, 5), Field 6 (Harper 69, 6), Livermore 7, McClean 7, Rodriguez 6 (Rondon 88, 6)

Subs not used: Myhill, Chadli, Leko, Wilson

Booked: Yacob, Rodriguez

Goals: Hegazy

Bournemouth: Begovic 7, Francis 7 (Smith 80, 6), Cook 6, Ake 7, Daniels 6, Fraser 6, Surman 6, Arter 6, Pugh 5 (Ibe 45, 6), King 6, Afobe 6 (Defoe 63, 6)

Subs not used: Boruc, Gosling, Mings, Mousset

STAR MAN: AHMED HEGAZI

WHAT THEY SAID

Bournemouth manager Eddie Howe: "The build-up to the goal was very disappointing - we gave away a needless free-kick, and against West Brom that is a dangerous thing.

"We have had enough football in pre-season to be ready, and I thought we were ready. The pitch was slow, and that is not an excuse. All our substitutes came on and gave us a bounce effect.

"We had our best spell towards the end of the game. I expected us to have the possession that we did but I thought we would have been more creative with it."


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