Nobody seems quite sure which way Stoke City will turn in their next managerial appointment, but they arrived at West Brom aiming to make a point and that is precisely what they departed with.
The struggling Potters made the short trip to the Black Country to face a promotion-chasing Baggies side in their second game since axing Alex Neil.
Right-back Lynden Gooch found the net in the 12th minute with a wicked cross-shot which flew over Baggies goalkeeper Alex Palmer and into the far corner.
Whether or not he meant it was up for debate, but it did not matter as Stoke led, much to the delight of their raucous travelling support.