STOKE, England - Stoke lost to West Bromwich Albion 1-0 Saturday after having two players sent off in six first-half minutes on ex-Potters boss Tony Pulis' maiden return to the Britannia Stadium.

Ibrahim Afellay and Charlie Adam both appeared to have only themselves to blame as they were shown straight red cards in the 25th and 31st minutes respectively.

Afellay appeared to put his hand in the face of Craig Gardner while Adam seemed to stamp on Craig Dawson.

West Brom — again with Tottenham target Saido Berahino not part of its squad — subsequently grabbed the lead in first-half stoppage time.

Salomon Rondon headed in his first goal since joining for a club-record £12 million ($18.5 million) over the summer to give the visitors their first league win this season.