There was an element of fortune about the Baggies' victory, which came as a result of them scoring with their only attempt on target, but it was Puliss defensive gameplan that ultimately derailed a wasteful Everton side. They camped deep in their own half throughout the match and frustrated Everton time and time again. Lukaku wasnt given an inch in the danger zone, and the West Brom rear guard remained on high alert to deal with the myriad crosses the Blues sailed into the box. Olsson was their standout player and the bedrock of a tenacious defence. His sheer stature proved advantageous when the Baggies got their decisive break in the 14th minute, but this was all part of Puliss strategy. He recognised that his team had height on their side and sought to exploit that from dead-ball situations.
