Vela saves Hodgson from WBA debut defeat

Carlos Vela saved Roy Hodgson from defeat in his first match as West Bromwich Albion manager as the Mexican striker’s last-gasp goal earned a 1-1 draw against Wolves yesterday.

Hodgson was moments away from opening his reign at the Hawthorns in the worst possible manner as Albion trailed to Jamie O’Hara’s first goal for Wolves.

But Vela, on loan from Arsenal, spared Hodgson’s blushes with a stoppage-time equaliser which kept fourth-bottom Albion outside the relegation zone and three points ahead of bottom club Wolves.

Former Liverpool boss Hodgson, appointed after Roberto Di Matteo’s sacking, made one enforced change as midfielder Youssouf Mulumbu was ruled out with a hamstring injury, leading to a recall for Gabriel Tamas.

Wolves had an early chance when O’Hara made a determined run inside the first 30 seconds, only for the on-loan Tottenham midfielder’s shot to be blocked by Jonas Olsson.

Peter Odemwingie almost got clear when he ran on to Tamas’s throughball but Albion’s top scorer was denied as Wolves goalkeeper Wayne Hennessey cleared from the edge of the area.

Matt Jarvis was causing problems down the left flank for Gonzalo Jara and another probing centre was headed over by O’Hara. Then, just as Hodgson’s side were starting to take control, O’Hara put Wolves ahead with a fabulous strike.

Jarvis wasted a glorious opportunity to double Wolves’ lead after 51 minutes.

Tamas made a mess of trying to head the ball back to Myhill and Jarvis nipped in with only the keeper to beat. But from 10 yards out he dragged his shot wide of the far post.

Albion pressed hard for an equaliser after that narrow escape and Hodgson’s side should have equalised after 63 minutes when Odemwingie headed the ball across the box to Fortune. However, the former Celtic striker failed to make any contact as he missed his kick from close range.

Hodgson sent on Vela in place of Dorrans and his change almost paid off immediately as Hennessey beat out the forward’s shot after he cut in from the left.

Vela always looked dangerous and, with seconds remaining, he was perfectly placed to equalise after Hennessey spilled James Morrison’s low drive.