West Brom notebook: Diakite's destructive best and how midfield pal Molumby played key role

Albion maintained the feelgood factor at the start of the 2026/27 campaign with Sunday’s 3-1 victory over Burnley.

James Morrison’s men were at their Sunday best as the Clarets, just down from the Premier League, were put to the sword in a deserved home victory lapped up by The Hawthorns crowd.

We take another look into the impressive victory in the latest Baggies notebook.

Destructive Diakite

Many hailed Albion’s performance as one of the best all-round displays in some time.

It would be fair to say similar of that from Ousmane Diakite in the heart of midfield.

The man from Mali was simply outstanding. He played a leading role in dominating the midfield battle against a Clarets side including seasoned players like Josh Laurent and Hannibal Mejbri, who were second-best throughout.

Diakite was not alone, and was helped by his midfield partner in crime Jayson Molumby, whose return to the side was very successful.

But Diakite, 26, built on his Norwich display to once again show the incredible progress he has made at the club as he begins a third season.

Few would have predicted he reached a third season after a tricky first 12 to 18 months as a Baggie.

He could not break into midfield ahead of a now departed Alex Mowatt and Molumby and spent several months kicking his heels. Appearances were few and far between and there was no rhythm or momentum.

Technically the midfielder struggled. He has improved hugely in that department and is now more assured on the ball, though there was still some loose passes he must iron out on Sunday.

But physically - always a finest attribute - he has gone from strength to strength.

The former Hartberg man was unstoppable when protecting the ball. Burnley players simply could not take the ball from him. Time after time Laurent, Hannibal, Aaron Ramsey, Marcus Edwards and others bounced off Diakite. He was an immoveable object.

He did so much more, too, with boundless energy to burst forward centrally or down the flanks, not giving up on lost causes, right down to the final moments. There was no sign of late cramp, either, which bodes well for his fitness levels for the weeks and months ahead.

Now one of the first names on the teamsheet, his progress is testament to the midfielder and the coaches around him.

Molumby makes point

Morrison’s management of Molumby in the opening weeks of the season has been inspired.

He played the final 20 minutes at Rotherham in the EFL Cup and only a little longer at Norwich - where he was influential in the win.

Morrison was not shy in making it public Molumby was upset with a back-up role to start the campaign. The long-serving Republic of Ireland international has had his suitors this summer.

Molumby was back in from the off against Burnley, as part of a reshuffle after Aune Heggebo’s controversial ban, and he delivered in spades.

Perhaps more understated than Diakite, the Irishman was almost as influential.

He might lack Diakite’s considerable frame and muscle, but Molumby was extremely effective in possession.

The 27-year-old was typically tigerish but also so assured with the ball. Not renowned for his technical game, Burnley could not get the ball back from Molumby.

If the pair can continue to complement themselves in such a manner, it could be a winning formula this season.