Premier League preview: Tottenham v West Bromwich Albion

Andre Villas-Boas was unable to make a winning start to life at Tottenham and it will not get any easier against West Bromwich Albion.

Tottenham, who have failed to win at St James Park since 2004, were beaten 2-1 by Newcastle on Saturday after Hatem Ben Arfa converted an 80th minute penalty for the hosts.

Demba Ba put Newcastle nine minutes ahead in to the second half before Jermain Defoe, Spurs’ loan striker, levelled proceedings on 76 minutes and Villas-Boas heaped praise on his sole marksman.

“He always has this killer instinct,” he said. “He scored in midweek for his country, scored for us during pre-season and again (at Newcastle).

“He is showing that touch that we need up front.”

However, Defoe may not be alone for much longer with Emmanuel Adebayor close to rejoining Tottenham permanently.

As for West Brom, the Midlands outfit is coming off a remarkable 3-0 victory over Liverpool at The Hawthorns in Steve Clarke’s first match as manager.

Clarke’s side had only recorded one win in 11 English Premier League encounters with Liverpool at home, which dated back 31 years but emphatically ended their dismal run on the opening day courtesy of a stunning strike from Zoltan Gera and goals from Peter Odemwingie and Romelu Lukaku.

Clarke’s name echoed around the stadium as West Brom handed Liverpool their worst opening day defeat in 75 years and they head to White Hart Lane with their tails up.

Defoe was the hero when these two sides last met in January, with his 63rd-minute goal proving the difference but both clubs have witnessed changes in coaches and philosophy since.