West Brom have the last laugh

When West Brom signed Peter Odemwingie from Locomotiv Moscow before the transfer window closed, not many would have been overly excited. Those with a keen eye will have seen Odemwingie represent Nigeria in the African Cup of Nations as well as this summer's World Cup but not a great deal more. The Uzbekistan born forward who has earned over 47 caps for Nigeria, the nation of his father's birth, had been in Moscow for three years after a big money move from Lille.

The 29-year-old's time in Russia was far from a happy experience and racism was an issue for Odemwingie during his time in Moscow. After Odemwingie had secured his move to England, the Locomotiv fans displayed an offensive banner aimed at the player. Well it's fair to say West Brom and Odemwingie are the ones chuckling now.

Odemwingie has been West Brom's best player so far this season, scoring three goals in his five appearances in the Premier League. The Nigerian spent much of his career as a winger but has been used as a striker by Roberto Di Matteo and showed he is more than capable of doing a job up front. Odemwingie opened his account with a goal on his debut against Sunderland before netting another at Birmingham. Odemwingie's most important goal for his new team came in last weekend's shock win over Arsenal at the Emirates. It certainly wasn't a result the Betfair Specialists predicted.

Despite his slender build, Odemwingie has shown an ability to play as a target man. His ability to hold the ball up as a lone striker as well as pull the strings just behind the front man will give West Brom welcome options this season. West Brom will be desperate to avoid their usual fate of yo-yoing between the Premier League and the Championship. Although many people made West Brom betting tips to go down before the start of the season, they have performed well so far.

In their previous efforts to cement themselves in the top flight, West Brom have often struggled to find enough goals in their team. If Odemwingie can carry on his early season form then the Baggies will have their best chance in recent years of staying in this league.

With the fee paid for Odemwingie believed to be in the region of £2 million, West Brom have picked up one of the bargains of the season.