Albion blogger Jarrod Hill was on hand to witness a divine debut at the Hawthorns as the Baggies welcomed Peter Odemwingie into the fold.

Our boss Roberto Di Matteo reckoned he had taken a gamble on throwing Peter Odemwingie in at the deep end on Saturday against Sunderland, well Robbo my old son if that’s what your gambling powers are like I have a lottery ticket you can fill in for me!

The overall performance may have been overshadowed by Odemwingie’s debut, but the truth is it was the team performance that ensured our first win of the season.

Every player played their part in what was a superb start to our home fixtures and with visits to Anfield, Old Trafford and the Emirates Stadium in the near future, home games against the likes of Sunderland remain key to our success this season.

After an excellent first-half in which we should have taken the lead, it was beginning to look like we would have to settle for a point as Sunderland gradually got themselves into the game.

I thought we played better in the first-half than we did after the break, but one move of quality proved enough to clinch all three points.

Gonzalo Jara found James Morrison in space and his turn and pass into Odemwingie’s feet gave our new striker his second chance of the game.

Unlike his first effort, he took no time in placing the ball past Sunderland goalkeeper Simon Mignolet and the Hawthorns erupted in celebration.

Although it was his goal that ensured he grabbed the headlines, it was his all round play that really had the Hawthorns faithful drooling.

What he lacks in aerial ability is more than made up by his determination, movement and blistering pace. He looks technically gifted and he gave the Sunderland defence problems right from the first to the last minute.

His goal will give him an early boost of confidence and I was impressed with his desire to track back and help his midfield when time ticked on.

It may only have been his first game and it is important not to get too carried away, but as debuts go, it was pretty damn good.

Thirteen minutes of nail biting ensued after we scored, but although Sunderland had plenty of possession they never created any clear cut goal scoring opportunities.

The relief at the final whistle was from the realisation that this was a huge three points. It may only be our second game of the season and our first at home, but we all know how important it is to get your first win and in addition our first clean sheet.

That clean sheet was in no small part due to the determined display of our defensive players, Jonas Olsson was recalled to partner Gabriel Tamas and his desire to win was there for all to see.

Goalkeeper Scott Carson had a torrid time last week at Stamford Bridge and many including me had questioned whether we would see Boaz Myhill step in.

Di Matteo took his second gamble of the day by sticking by his captain and although Scott had little to do, what did slip through our defence he handled competently.

In fact, other than Odemwingie, our starting eleven was made up of last season’s players and it was this familiarity that contributed to our dominance in the first-half.

As much as I rate our new players such as Pablo Ibanez, Nicky Shorey and Myhill, it is good for the team that they have had to wait for their chance to impress.

Marek Cech again put in an 8 out of 10 performance and what all of our new signings must understand is that it is a long hard season and that everyone will be involved at some stage.

Competition for places will hopefully continue to spur players on and that can only ever be a good thing for the team.

Steven Reid highlighted this by coming on for the excellent Youssouf Mulumbu, who had run himself into the ground. Reid stepped in and took up the task of stifling Sunderland’s midfield with great effect and in many ways it is the quality of our bench that will help us over the line in a number of games.

Tonight sees us travel to Leyton Orient in the Carling Cup and I am expecting a number of fringe players to get some valuable game time.

Somen Tchoyi has been signed up and, although tonight could possibly be too soon for him, he adds yet more competition to our midfield.

Tchoyi does arrive with some glowing references and by all accounts he is an entertaining attacking midfielder, but he has also been identified as a player who can add something that has been missing from our midfield for a while.

At 6ft 3in he dwarfs quite a few players and his threat at set pieces has been highlighted as another bonus.

The transfer window still has another week until it slams shut and the rumours are that we are still in the hunt for at least two more players.

I would guess that we are after another striker and a defensive midfielder so, as the clock ticks down, the market could be about to go into overdrive.

The loan market is an avenue we have used to great effect in seasons gone by and, with clubs having to clarify their 25-man squads, we could benefit from the shake down.

Another ‘Saint Peter’ would be nice Mr Peace!