Safe standing impact and Big Val nightmare: Three things you may have missed in West Brom's 1-0 win over Blackburn

They took the first half lead and it could have been more had Aune Heggebo took a decent chance before the break.

Price also went close in the second period - before Albion had to withstand late pressure before Darnell Furlong was sent off late on.

It was a solid opening day and here is a look at three things you may have missed from the afternoon:

Safe standing impact

You may have been forgiven for forgetting a big change at The Hawthorns heading into the first game.

It was the first time the majority of the safe standing has been used at the ground since it was installed over the summer.

The Millennium corner as well as the upper Smethwick End has had a makeover and fans got to enjoy it for the first time on Saturday.

And initially it seemed to make a big difference atmosphere wise - as was the hope.

The initial first day buzz and anticipation of course makes the difference - but at times in the game the noise from behind the goal from the Albion fans felt different.

And we can attribute that to the safe standing. Extensions to elsewhere in the ground would be beneficial.

Big Val bitten by an old weapon

Cast your mind back to the Valerien Ismael days and the games where Furlong's rocket throw in was winning games on its own for Big Val.

Well, since then, under various managers, it has never been the weapon it was in the early Val days.

So it was somewhat ironic that the first goal under Mason, against the former Baggies boss who was in the opposite dugout came this way.

You could almost feel the shudder from the Blackburn technical area when the throw in led to the opener. Hopefully more Furlong rockets to come throughout the campaign.

Deckchair time for Griffiths

It was a tight affair at times in the first half - while Albion did have good spells when they were on top.

Isaac Price put them in front while Aune Heggebo should have made it two soon after.

But on the possession stats, Blackburn had more of the ball for the first 30 minutes.

In fact, for the opening half hour, aside from possibly the odd touch with his foot, Josh Griffiths did not have to pick it up or claim a ball.

It was almost easy street for Griffiths, with a solid backline saving him from having to do any work.

It only lasted half an hour however, as he was called into action soon after with a superb save. But even for the rest of the game, he did not have to make a safe.

He may not have a simpler afternoon shots wise all season - but he won't want that late aerial bombardment on too many occasions.