Reuters: If he has any doubts about taking over the job, the size of the task facing West Bromwich Albion boss Sam Allardyce is clear as his new club overtake Aston Villa in a 3-0 Premier League defeat on Sunday.

Shortened to ten men when sent by captain Jake Livermore, West Brom created an opportunity during the game, now conceding 29 goals and can only handle one clean sheet each season.

“I think starting with the first goal and dreaming four minutes later was something I didn’t like. It’s a simple cross, not the best cross. We watch the ball go down 1-0,” Allardyce told BT Sport.

“We clung to it and I was worried it would keep our look, we were trying, it was not successful, but the sending was completely thrown at us,” he added.

Villa playmaker Jack Greelish has been harassing West Brom all night, and Allardyce says he wants England International to be there to help the Baggies in the fight against deportation.

“He’s a great guy, glad we got an Aston Villa. If we had a Jack Grealish, we would stick with all the respect for my players,” he said.

The 66-year-old coach will have little to celebrate on Christmas to visit champions Liverpool, who beat Crystal Palace 7-0.

“Anfield, next (Sunday), two days later Leeds (United). We have to make sure what we tried is not like we did today, switch off and send a player,” he said.

(Reporting by Philip O’Connor; Editing by Christian Radnodge)