Saido Berahino's first half goal condemed Aston Villa to a 1-0 defeat at home to West Bromwich Albion on Saturday, leaving serious questions over Tim Sherwood's tactics six games in.
A slow start from the Villans left West Brom on top, and Berahino's flick just short of half time handed the Baggies all three points, due to little home resistance in the second half.
Baggies on top in the opening period
Each team flexed their muscles by selecting a number of summer signings, and it was one of West Brom's who almost put them ahead after two minutes. Chris Brunt's cross was met by Salomon Rondon, who forced Brad Guzan into a good reflex save with a bullet header.
Corners were next on the agenda, and lots of them for West Brom. Jonny Evans found room in the area to head over the bar, before Guzan was again forced into action by Gareth McAuley.
Things did somewhat improve for Villa, as good work from Gabby Agbonlahor allowed Carles Gil to get a shot away, one that was goalbound before Claudio Yacob got in the way to block.
However, there was still much action going on at the other end, with Darren Fletcher's left-footed drive being tipped around the post by Guzan, before the opener came.
Berahino makes it 1-0
James McClean got the chance to cross after a mistake from Jordan Amavi. Rondon brought the ball down, laying off James Morrison, whose shot was deflected by the toe of Berahino - sending a helpless Guzan the wrong way.
The Villans did improve after half-time, as Rudy Gestede was brought on to offer an aerial threat in place of Scott Sinclair.
Two disappointing free kick's, one each from Gil and Ashley Westwood, lacked the quality to equalise, before more controversy surrounded another set piece.
No late rally from Villans
Goalscorer Berahino was penalised for handball after Alan Hutton's cross flew into his arm, but only a free-kick was given, with replays suggesting that the striker may well have been in the area.
That free-kick came to nothing, but Villa did have the ball in the net soon after, only for it to be ruled out. Jack Grealish was brought down on the edge of the area, a foul which the referee blew up for, however Westwood's resulting cross had already gone into the box.
Captain Micah Richards rose highest to head in, but West Brom 'keeper Boaz Myhill had already pulled out after hearing the whistle, leaving Villa frustrated.
With the home side getting increasingly desperate, the visitors became more of a threat on the counter attack, Rondon having another attempt at the back-post.
In truth, there wasn't much to make fans stay late on, with substitute Leandro Bacuna having a free-kick blocked, before his cross was met by Gestede, who headed powerfully over the bar.