Without question Sheffield Wednesday hit the ground running but could not capitalise on their dominance which helped them rack up six first half corners without converting from any.
Connor Wickham, who was in search of his third goal in as many games, came closest with his header into the side netting, he was then on hand to set up Adam Reach who fired his effort wide.
Albion made Wednesday pay for not breaking the deadlock from their numerous set-pieces when Moses Odubajo was judged to have pulled down Dara O’Shea referee David Webb eventually pointed to the spot.
Charlie Austin, making his first start since February, made no mistake from 12 yards to notch his ninth goal of the campaign and put The Baggies firmly in control going into the second half.
After the break the visitors-controlled proceedings for the most part and doubled their lead on 58 minutes when after good hold up play from Callum Robinson, Pereira headed a Kieran Gibbs delivery well out of the reach of Joe Wildsmith and in off the inside of the post.
It was now a long way back for The Owls, but their efforts did not drop, just three minutes after going 2-0 down Kadeem Harris dribbled his way through Albion’s midfield before thumping his curling shot against the upright with Sam Johnstone scrambling.
Wildsmith was then called upon to deny Kamil Grosicki from close range but was unable to prevent a third goal a matter of minutes later.
Pereira was the man to seal the points to take his side a point behind league leaders Leeds United in the 85th minute when he swept home a powerful strike that Wildsmith got a foot too but was unable to divert wide.
View from the dugout:
Garry Monk said to the club’s media: “I think anyone watching the game will think that’s a harsh score-line. We looked the sharper team in the first half but didn’t make the most of that and then it’s that decision making.
“There were a lot of good things the team did but there are things we have to do better. We had to change it in the second half to chase it which left us more exposed. It was a score-line we didn’t deserve but their freshness showed after half time.”
Slaven Bilic told local BBC radio: "I liked the performance. It was not easy to play that game. There was big pressure on us and we responded like a proper, mature, quality team and that's what I like about it.
"Everybody gave everything and that was expected. You can crumble under the pressure, but we didn't. I'm really proud of the guys. Hopefully we are back in town."
Takeaways from the game
Moses Odubajo gives away another penalty
It has not been the most successful of debut seasons for the full-back signed from Brentford last summer. He has now given away four penalties this season, the most in The Championship having only played 18 games. To have a record of giving away a penalty every four games is quite a damming stat and his overall performances have not given him any more breathing space with the Wednesday faithful. Garry Monk originally told Odubajo that he was free to find himself another club in January, but the former Hull City man has rolled his sleeves up to make his way back into the thoughts of the manager. However, his recent performances have done little to help his cause going forward.
Charlie Austin back on target
Having not rippled the back of the net since the end of January against Cardiff City, Austin will take confidence from his goal even if it was from the penalty spot. It was the frontman’s only chance of note in the game but he made no mistake with it and it has been that clinical edge that has made them more than just promotion hopefuls, but a side destined for top flight football next term.
Man of the Match: Matheus Pereira
Not only did he chip in with his seventh and eighth goals this season, his first goals since February 12th, his all-round creativity and performance stood out above the other 21 players on the pitch. His first goal was a perfectly directed header and his second a strike with fierce power. With 16 assists across the length of the season so far, he’s been key to Albion’s push to the Premier League and that shone through against Wednesday. He could certainly be a player that Bilic looks to make a permanent fixture at The Hawthornes having spent this season on loan from Portuguese outfit Sporting CP.
Next up for both
The Owls make the trip to South Wales on Sunday noon to face Swansea City at The Liberty Stadium. Meanwhile, Albion host Hull City which also takes place on Sunday at 3PM.