Josh Maja's goal (centre right) was his sixth in six league games
Josh Maja's tap in was enough for West Bromwich Albion to edge out a nervous 1-0 win over Plymouth Argyle.
The victory means Albion return to the top of the Championship table after Sunderland temporarily claimed the spot earlier in the day following their victory over Middlesbrough.
Maja's goal arrived in the 62nd minute and was against the run of play as Plymouth started the second half the brighter side, but the Pilgrims failed to make their chances count at the Hawthorns.
The defeat leaves Wayne Rooney's side 20th in the Championship, with the result being the club's third defeat of the season.
As they have done all season, Albion began the match in blistering style, nearly scoring in the first two minutes with winger Karlan Ahearne-Grant's acute cross prodded wide by Maja.
Argyle grew as the game wore on, however, and nearly got the lead following the lively Ibrahim Cissokho's cross on the 20th minute mark being narrowly diverted by striker Ryan Hardie.
The Baggies then responded immediately with a chance of their own, with the direct Ahearne-Grant hitting the near post with a powerful low drive.
The woodwork turned out to be a familiar foe for Carlos Corberan's side as Alex Mowatt, who scored twice last week against Portsmouth, guided a curled effort onto the right post from outside the box before fellow midfielder John Swift did the same on the left post just after the half hour mark.
Counter-attack
Plymouth failed to let the chances affect them though and often reminded the hosts of their counter-attacking threat with Morgan Whittaker and Darko Gyabi denied by Baggies keeper, and former Pilgrim, Alex Palmer, in an action-packed first half.
The Devon club started much more on the front foot after the break, however, with Whittaker forcing another save from Palmer in the 51st minute, but the Pilgrims' squandered chances ultimately cost them.
Summer signing Racic, on loan from Italian club Sassuolo, was replacing the injured regular Jayson Molumby in midfield and made the difference in his first full debut for the West Midlands side, sending in a perfect low cross for Maja to tap home in the 62nd minute, with Plymouth unable to equalise at the Hawthorns.
Rooney 'pleased' despite defeat
Last week's 3-2 victory over Sunderland, their first of the season, gave Plymouth manager Rooney plenty of reason to believe that his side were improving and that his disastrous start as Argyle boss, which oversaw no wins in the first four games, was well behind him.
It was fairly even with both sides having chances, Plymouth particularly in the second half through the industrious Whittaker, but Rooney's side struggled to cope defensively with the pace and quality of a West Brom side who are aiming for promotion.
Despite the defeat, former Manchester United striker Rooney was pleased to see his side "compete" with the Championship's best.
"The pleasing thing is we're showing we can compete with the best teams in the league," said Rooney.
"We're more than capable of causing teams problems; we're getting more and more confident with the ball, which is pleasing for us.
"Certainly since the first game, which of course was a disaster for us, a disaster start, we've competed in every game, we've shown we're a good team, and if we play like we did today, then we'll pick up a lot of wins."
Plymouth will be looking to bounce back next Friday when they host Luton.
'Many things we can do to improve'
Although not a perfect performance, today's win was another step towards West Brom's promotion aspirations, with the Baggies sitting at the top of the Championship.
The result against Plymouth was also the West Midlands side's fifth win in six games, but despite it being the club's best start to a season in 31 years, manager Corberan said there are "many things" his players can do better.
"Especially in the game understanding and the game management," said Corberan when asked about potential improvements.
"In the first half, there were situations where we had to be more patient and we forced passes with our advantage.
"I guarantee there are many things we can do to improve."
West Brom will be hoping to retain top spot at Sheffield Wednesday next Saturday.
