West Brom notebook: Progress is clear as day as midfielders shine amid defensive blow

Performance level

It was only a point but a return of four from two games against sides as well-equipped as West Ham and Southampton is a fine achievement.

It continues a remarkable story and first three months of the season for James Morrison’s Albion in a campaign most saw as transitional, with some hope of a top-10 push.

The Baggies backed up Saturday’s fine efforts at West Ham with a scintillating first half against the Saints.

A 1-0 half-time lead flattered Tonda Eckert’s men, who were chasing shadows and absolutely swarmed by the vibrant Baggies. The only shame was the hosts could not take another opportunity, through either Jimmy-Jay Morgan or penalty scorer Isaac Price, for the more commanding leas they deserved.

Southampton were feeble in that first period and never going to remain as poor. Albion could not cope with the visitors’ bright start to the second half and were punished.

Thereafter it was a fascinating, end-to-end contest between two top sides that could have gone either way.

That the Baggies are mixing it and competing with such high-level opposition, with a relatively thin and such an inexperienced squad, shows the remarkable progress under Morrison.

Midfield maestros

There will not be many midfield partnerships in the Championship purring quite like Ousmane Diakite and Jayson Molumby at the moment.

Diakite is understandably dominating the headlines and fan excitement. He is drawing admiring glances from neutrals and those involved in opposing teams.

The Malian’s presence is far too strong at the moment, and his ability with the ball has blossomed into an all-round game.

But partner Molumby is playing at an extremely high level too. The Irishman has been excellent for several weeks now.

He has a high standard when it comes to energy and ugly work without the ball but he was a creative force for Albion on Tuesday. A fine lofted ball helped make the penalty for the lively Rabby Nzingoula and another, just before half-time, was sent wide by Price. Both midfielders are in top shape.

Nervy Nat

Captain George Campbell hobbling off with a groin issue at the break is a worry. Albion are in a good rhythm and momentum and did not want that halted.

It opened the door for Nat Phillips, who has had to kick his heels for a few weeks since costly errors against Wolves and Birmingham.

Hopefully Campbell’s knock is minor, but Phillips will feature against a physical Millwall on Saturday before a well-timed international break.

It was a tricky clash to come into for Phillips, who prior to the Wolves game had enjoyed a sturdy start to the season.

He was unable to clear for the Saints equaliser and Samuel Edozie, who he initially tracked, slammed home.

Phillips is a different profile to the excellent Chris Mepham and Campbell. He is more of a dominant, old school, physical stopper, and less stylish with the ball.

That led to some nerves in possession in their own third. Albion will not be as fluent in that regard, and must remain steady.