Benteke's injury-time penalty strike lifts Villa out of PL relegation zone post 2-1 win over West Brom

Tim Sherwood recorded his first win as Aston Villa manager, thanks to a deep injury time goal against West Bromwich Albion from the penalty spot by Christian Benteke that also lifted them out of the Premier League relegation zone.

Villa took the lead in the first half as Gabriel Agbonlahor struck in the 22nd minute, but Saido Berahino's equalizer in the second half, also his 18th goal of the season, for West Brom looked to have extended Villa's run without victory to 13 league games.

However, with only seconds remaining, West Brom keeper Ben Foster capped a performance riddled with uncertainty by fumbling a clearance then rushing out to bring down Matthew Lowton, and Benteke kept his cool to slide in the spot-kick to give Villa three points for the first time since 7 December, the BBC reported.

 

Sherwood celebrated wildly with his backroom staff as the first of the six wins he says Villa need to stay up was secured.

Sherwood would reportedly hope that the win not only provides the momentum required in the run-in but also a psychological lift ahead of the FA Cup quarterfinal between these two teams at Villa Park on Saturday, the report added.