MANAGER Eddie Howe felt the concession of a needless free kick had been Cherries’ undoing at the Hawthorns on Saturday.

Striker Joshua King was judged to have fouled Allan Nyom in the lead up to Ahmed Hegazi heading home Chris Brunt's delivery for the only goal in the 38th minute.

Howe told the Daily Echo: "The disappointing thing was giving away the free kick in the first place.

"We didn’t clear our lines very well and then dived in and gave away the free kick.

"You know the ball is going to come in with quality and balls into the box from their set-plays were of the highest standard.

"Any team would find it difficult to defend them, we certainly did. The free kick cost us the game."

Howe added: "We have to be a little more savvy and have to manage the game better.

"When you play West Brom, that is what they want.

"And with the delivery they have, they will lick their lips in those situations and we needed to defend that situation a lot better."