West Brom beats Sunderland 1-0 in Premier League

BIRMINGHAM, England (AP) Sunderland goalkeeper Costel Pantilimon's error gifted West Bromwich Albion a 1-0 win in Sam Allardyce's first game in charge of the Black Cats on Saturday in the Premier League.

Pantilimon dropped Chris Brunt's cross to allow Saido Berahino to slot home in the 54th from close range at The Hawthorns and leave Sunderland in the relegation zone.

In contrast, the victory lifted West Brom seven points clear of the bottom three and eased any early-season pressure on boss Tony Pulis.

James McClean sparked a scuffle at the final whistle with his celebrations and was confronted by Sunderland players Danny Graham and Lee Cattermole.