The Verdict: Brilliant West Brom show class on the big stage

There is no doubting West Bromwich Albion’s Halloween masterclass of 2026 at West Ham’s London Stadium will go down as one of those in time.

It was a horrorshow for the Irons at the Olympic Village - where James Morrison’s Baggies struck gold.

Saturday’s 3-1 victory was as emphatic a result of that scoreline can get. Even the excellent Jarrod Bowen’s first-half equaliser via a deflection owed to hosts’ fortune.

Morrison’s eight months at the helm so far have largely been a triumphant success. Escaping relegation with backs-to-the-wall resilience was one thing - but outplaying West Ham with a stylish display of silky and ruthless football in their own back yard? Exceptional.

Albion were far better than the hosts, who reeked of a desperate Premier League relegation, in every single way.

Nuno Espirito Santo’s men played like a tired group of mercenaries with little cohesion or team spirit. Like an assembled group not good enough to survive in the top flight who feel too good to be mixing it in the Championship.

A world away from Morrison’s vibrant, exciting, youthful crop who are daring supporters to dream.

What an afternoon it was for the 3,000-strong packed away end, who did not let up all game in their deafening support of the team.

They had a lot to get behind on the big stage.

That was the test ahead of the clash in the capital.

On the grand stage so far this season, when the big occasion arrived, Morrison’s new-look squad froze.

Baggies supporters travelling to east London would have done so in hope - but mostly hope that the side had a go and traded blows, at least, unlike the disappointing Sunday afternoon at Wolves in September.

Form has improved as Morrison’s men showed their now familiar resolve to fight back for positive results after the disappointing Wolves and Birmingham days.

The test remained. Could Albion go and do it in front of 60,000 at what, on paper, was many people’s toughest fixture of the season before a ball was kicked this term?

Nuno’s West Ham were favourites to secure an instant return to the Premier League and, while now down in eighth having been leapfrogged by the Baggies and others, they have still enjoyed a relatively strong start.

The visitors did what they failed to do at Molineux.

They started the game well, executed a game plan to a tee, turning a creaking West Ham defence with runners in behind and support from wide areas and deep.

Albion were sensational to a man. Not one player in Morrison’s side dipped below a very good performance.

The frontline were outstanding and totally clinical. Felix Horn Myhre, Jimmy-Jay Morgan and Callum Styles scored wonderful goals for the Baggies.

Morgan won the nod over Aune Heggebo to start - just like he was belatedly credited for the equaliser at Preston seven days earlier - and repaid his head coach’s faith and then some.

It proved to be an inspired tactical call from Morrison to go with the intelligent silky football and vision of Morgan.

Morgan might have pushed for the goal from Heggebo in the week, but he showed his selflessness to square for Horn Myhre early on. The worrying conceding first in games trend was bucked.

The striker’s fine effort 2-1 shortly after half-time was a wonderful touch and finish, right out of the top drawer as the Norwegian repaid the favour.

Horn Myhre has come to the party as an Albion player. He continues to build on performances and looks at home in Baggies colours now. He is finding goals and assists, belatedly delivering on that summer promise.

Isaac Price was supreme and had a hand in all three goals. At times he does things few other players at this level would struggle to.

There were others all over the park. Ousmane Diakite was imperious in midfield. Jayson Molumby wasn’t far behind. Rabby Nzingoula had his best game yet. Chris Mepham continues as a colossal presence in defence.

This was a big step on the big stage for Morrison’s men.

The boss admitted afterwards he felt it had been coming - but few could have imagined Saturday going quite as well as that.

It leaves the Baggies in a fine place for Tuesday night’s visit of Southampton. There might be the benefit of home comforts, but the Saints are likely to provide an even sterner test.

A first victory against a team in the Championship’s current top 12. Albion have proven they can more than mix it with the division’s big-hitters.

If confidence in the ranks was already up, it will have sky-rocketed now. Belief they can compete is coursing through the squad.