West Bromwich Albion came into the new season under a could of uncertainty. Manager Tony Pulis had never seen any of his teams relegated in the Premier League, but with every side around them seemingly strengthening, that accomplishment looked under threat.
The squad that had seen them finish comfortably in mid-table last season stayed largely the same and left the manager to build wisely during his first preseason with the club.
This is something that Pulis relishes. With this in mind, Baggies fans would have been hoping to join that mid-table pack with the likes of Stoke City and Swansea City pushing for a European spot, rather than the relegation scrap others were predicting for the side.
After the first 90 minutes at the Hawthorns though, those heady thoughts of Europe would have been dashed very quickly.
First four games
A 3-0 home defeat to a strong Manchester City was not the start anyone associated with the Baggies was after. Nor was the next result, a drab 0-0 draw away at newly promoted Watford, where they failed to register a single shot on target.
But after that poor beginning, the Baggies came out firing against reigning champions Chelsea. They went on to lose the game 3-2, but showed intensity and a drive to give their fans something to cling onto.
They finally earned themselves a win away at Stoke City thanks to new signing Solomon Rondon. This left Pulis’ men with four points from four games, sitting 15th in the table but ultimately improving with each outing.
Transfer window performance
West Brom’s transfer business has been overshadowed by the well-documented Sadio Berahino saga. The young English striker has been eyeing a move to Tottenham Hotspur all summer, even handing in a transfer request to push the deal forward. Four bids were rejected by West Brom and when the window shut, Berahino remained at the Hawthorns.
However, the relationship between player and club has broken down to a degree, something which will take all of Pulis’ charm to rebuild.
The arriving players have been solid, if not entirely spectacular. The manager has looked for experience to bolster the squad, coming with the signings of Rickie Lambert, James Chester and Ander Lindergaard all fit that bill. James McClean will add bite to the midfield and loan signing Serge Gnabry can scare defences with his pace once back from injury.
But the biggest signing of all was Rondon from Zenit St Petersburg. At £12 million, he looked an expensive buy for a player who had never graced the Premier League before, but on first look he was impressive and will cause a lot of problems for opposition. Good in the air as seen against Stoke, as well as acrobatic, who can forget that assist against Chelsea? He looks a perfect fit for the Baggies.
Key Player
The biggest question mark hanging over West Brom is still Berahino. Last year he showed the potential to be a prolific goal-scorer. No one can doubt his ability, but the challenge for the staff will be focusing him on the football. If that happens he could be the key to unlocking that top half finish when the season ends.
If not, then Rondon will be heavily relied upon to produce in just his first season of English football.
What has worked?
At the other end of the pitch the defence has looked solid. On the two occasions they have conceded goals, it has been against top quality attacks, which will not define the success of their season. It is a different story when playing the teams around them. They have kept just two clean sheets and if they can continue this type of rock solid performance, they can start worrying about the creativity.
What needs improvement
The flare in midfield started very slowly but is starting to churn into gear. The inceptions of Calum McManaman and McClean will help, but they are yet to really fire on the wings. This has shown with James Morrison, the current leading goal-scorer, meaning the strikers are not being supplied to the full degree. This will come once the understanding between them and Rondon picks up. There is no need to panic just yet.
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Next four games
Clearly West Brom have had a tough start. Playing the top two, combined with tricky trips away was never going to see them leading the league at the first international break. So, perhaps their next four games will be a better judge of their progression.
They will fancy themselves to take points away from a stuttering Southampton, who have their own transfer problems to contend with, while trips to Villa Park and Carrow Road follow. These will be the games Pulis has highlighted as pivotal for a successful season. Losses here could spell trouble.
They round off this quartet of games by hosting Everton. If they have taken six points from the previous three games then they will be high on confidence.
Fixtures like this will test whether the Hawthorns can become a fortress this season, somewhere teams fear coming and somewhere that can galvanise the players and fans alike. Pulis has history of making his sides really difficult to beat at home, and to thrive this year, that form will be key.
Taking points from teams around them on the ladder will be paramount, but whether those are the likes of European hopefuls Southampton and Everton, or likely lower table scrappers Villa and Norwich, only time will tell.
Grade – C
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