Rondon lifts West Brom over Crystal Palace

Salomon Rondon's goal in the 74th minute gave West Brom a 1-0 victory over Crystal Palace in the opening-day fixture for both sides.

Taking two teams who scored just 73 goals last season combined and putting them together in a tentative opener, it's hard to really expect too many fireworks. Sure enough, despite some zealous work in midfield, the opening 30 minutes lacked any real chances - Rondon the only player who looked capable of breaking the deadlock.

Andros Townsend also began to shine towards the end of the first half, but, often left without sufficient support, the Eagles new acquisition was equalled by the organised duo of Jonny Evans and Jonas Olsson.

The start of the second half was a little more promising, a well-crafted pass from Lee setting Zaha free with only the keeper to beat. Foster managed to make a brilliant double save to deny him, though, and you'd be forgiven for fearing that Palace had wasted the best chance they were going to get.

Indeed that miss did go on to cost the Eagles, as 16 minutes from time, Rondon headed home from James McClean's pinpoint free-kick. It was pretty much the only time Hennessey was tested all game, but it proved enough as, despite an increase in urgency from the Palace camp, West Brom managed to hang on without incident.

Andros Townsend's debut performance will have been met with mixed reactions. He did look like Palace's brightest spark throughout, but the Eagles will need to tweak their setup if they are to capitalise on his creativity in the final third; he was often left to go alone this afternoon.

All in all, a job well done for Tony Pulis' side. They defended well, and managed to sneak that one goal they needed to edge an unspectacular opening-day fixture.