'The worst thing that could've happened' - Chris Brunt's assessment after heavy West Brom defeat

The Cherries stormed back to put the managerless Baggies to the sword in the FA Cup third round in Dorset with three first-half goals to cancel out Caleb Taylor's deserved opener for the visitors.

Albion were good value for the early lead but Andoni Iraola's men struck three times before the break and a couple of minutes into the second period to put the tie to bed. The Baggies recovered in the second half but Bournemouth netted a fifth at the death.

Brunt's caretaker spell is likely to come to an end this week with Raphael Wicky in advanced talks for the job.

The Northern Irishman said:  "It's disappointing to have such a heavy defeat, it's never easy to take.

"I think we started the game really well, got a goal ahead and that was probably the worst thing that could've happened really! That sort of helped them grow into it and show their Premier League quality.

"Ultimately that's been the difference on the day. I don't think they had tons and tons of chances but each one they had they were clinical and punished us. That's the nature of the two leagues, that's why they are flying high in the Premier League at the minute."

The in-form Cherries named a side packed with Premier League stars and Dango Ouattara fired a brace for the hosts' second and third before the break. Half-time substitute Antoine Semenyo netted within two minutes of the second period.

Brunt, who alongside the interim team decided on seven changes to rest weary Albion legs, reserved praise for the second-half changes who helped Albion stem the tide.

"It's an old cliche but they are bad times to concede goals and we've literally done both - one straight before and one straight after half-time," Brunt added.

"I think the one after half-time is the absolute killer, we made some changes and the lads that came on did well, kept the tempo and intensity high. If we didn't concede that one maybe we could've nicked one back and it could be a different story.

"But I think on the whole you could tell Bournemouth had a little more in the tank. The second half was comfortable, but credit to our lads they went on and kept trying and gave us everything, that's all we can ask.

"You're bringing lads off the bench at 4-1 (down), I've been there and it's never nice, but credit to them they did really well.

"Hopefully there's enough positives to take into the Championship because we're still at the top end of that and that's our goal, to try to compete there."