Video: Tony Pulis on West Brom victory
West Brom boss Tony Pulis praised Victor Anichebe for his starring role in today's victory over Newcastle - while reminding Saido Berahino to think of the group.
Pulis handed Anichebe his first Premier League start of the season and the big Nigerian striker didn't disappoint.
Working Newcastle's back line from minute one, he was unlucky not to score himself and hit the underside of the crossbar.
The latter came moments before Darren Fletcher's headed winner in the 78th minute.
Pulis said: "When Victor turns up, he's a top player. He's shown that today, he was a handful for them and they just couldn't handle him."
When Anichebe was subbed off three minutes from the end clutching his leg, he got a huge standing ovation from the Hawthorns' crowd.
The 27-year-old striker's inclusion in the starting line-up came as a surprise to many people.
They expected Saido Berahino to start up front, with Salomon Rondon suspended and Rickie Lambert fatigued from the Swansea game 48 hours previously.
Last season's top scorer was left on the bench, after an unknown incident between him and Pulis.
Before the game, Pulis said: "He's lucky to be on the bench, never mind starting. Sometimes, things go on at football clubs that you people don't see and don't realise.
"He's a smashing kid but he lets himself down at times."
Berahino came on with 20 minutes to go, but Albion were by far the better team throughout. The first-half was arguably the best seen at the Hawthorns this season.
Pulis said: "First 10 minutes we could have been three up. The opportunities we created the game could have been over after 10 minutes.
"The longer it goes, you have to give Newcastle some credit they defended really stoutly but, luckily, the dam burst at the end.
"It's a great victory for us and a good performance. The players' fitness levels were superb.
"The recovery and the work the medical side have done to get them turned over so quick as they have and put in a performance like that was absolutely first-class."
