OPINION
West Brom were forced to settle for a solitary point at home against Nottingham Forest as they twich came from behind.
Some sloppy defending from Craig Dawson and his teammates allowed the visitors to capitalise and force the ball into the back of the net, Stefan Johansen the unlucky Baggies star to get the final touch after seeing their back line torn apart.
Loanee Jacob Murphy managed to snatch an equaliser less than 10 minutes after the restart but Ryan Yates restored Forest’s lead 10 minutes later.
However, James Rodriguez managed to rescue a point for Darren Moore and his men, Dwight Gayle winning a penalty which his teammate converted.
So what can fans take away from this showdown against Forest?
This is Futbol has picked out three things learned from the clash at the Hawthorns:
Moore tactics put defence in trouble
It is quite clear that Darren Moore has set his side up to try and play out from the back and it is admirable he wants to implement a progressive style of football at the Hawthorns.
Unfortunately for the manager he does not have the players to carry out his instructions.
Craig Dawson found that out the hard way when his poor pass ended with Forest netting the opening goal and there were a few other nervy moments when the Baggies refused to boot the ball forward.
Credit to the players for sticking to what their boss has told them to do, but there is a lack of quality for it to be done effectively and refusing to adjust is Moore just putting his team in trouble.
Murphy isn’t a Barnes replacement
The loss of Harvey Barnes was a huge disappointment to the West Brom faithful – although their hurt will be slightly lessened thanks to his regular playing time in the Premier League.
The Baggies snapped up Jacob Murphy from Newcastle United to try and fill the void but it is quite clear the Magpies’ man is not of the same ilk nor quality of the Leicester maestro.
Much more an out-and-out winger, he either lacks the confidence or the quality – perhaps both – of the man who dazzled the Hawthorns in the first half of the season.
Moore has to find a way to fit him in or boot him out the side, for the current tactics are just not working for the wide man right now.
Baggies can thank their lucky stars
Should Dwight Gayle have been awarded his penalty? Should Forest have seen a spot kick of their own given for a foul on Joe Lolley?
These are the questions that will be asked in the media and among fans in the aftermath and it is fair to say that luck was on West Brom’s side on Tuesday evening.
Not every game will see the Baggies get the rub of the green and as they say, what goes around comes around. This time it earned Moore and his men a point and in a future clash it could cost them one – that is football.