West Brom comment: No need to tinker with current back four

The Baggies have won seven, drawn four and lost just once in the past 12 games, earning a 25-point tally only in-form Hull City can match.

Just as encouraging as those numbers is the fact Moore’s men have the second-best defensive record in the league during the same period.

They’ve conceded just 11 goals, which only Sheffield United can beat, having conceded 10.

The 4-1 thrashing of Leeds United felt momentous at the time and, as the weeks wear on, it is looking increasingly like the turning point of this season.

Albion’s ferocious front line has been a breath of fresh air, but for the first third of the campaign their porous backline was a concern.

The Baggies let in 24 goals in the first 16 games of the season, or to put it another way, conceded more than any other team in the top 15.

But since Moore rendered Marcelo Bielsa’s diligent preparations useless by switching from a 3-4-1-2 to a 4-3-3 system, Albion haven’t looked back.

That change solidified the backline, but then Moore strengthened it further by bringing in Mason Holgate on loan.

Based on his first three appearances, the Everton man will be a shrewd acquisition for the rest of the season.

Moore is also on the hunt for a left-sided defender this month and the Baggies are currently rivalling Villa for the signature of Tyrone Mings on loan from Bournemouth.

That would be a slightly more curious signing, because Albion’s back four is looking increasingly settled.

Three clean sheets in the past six league games have come after just one from the first 22, while Craig Dawson and Ahmed Hegazi’s partnership at centre-back continues to deliver.

Five of Albion’s six Premier League wins last season came with those in the middle of a back four and their total record together in that system from 24 games is 14 wins, seven draws and just three defeats.

Mings is versatile and can play either left-back or centre-back.

There’s no doubt the £8million man would strengthen Albion’s options.

But would he get into the starting line-up? And should Albion be prioritising their funds further up the pitch?

Although a couple of academy products are currently shouldering an injury crisis in central midfield, that area of the pitch should have enough depth to see out the season.

But Harvey Barnes has left a huge gap up front, and while Hal Robson-Kanu, Bakary Sako, Wes Hoolahan and Jonathan Leko each have their own unique skill-set, Albion could use another young, vibrant attacker.

Perhaps signing a left-sided defender like Mings would allow Moore to return to the wing-back system he preferred at the start of the season.

And it may prove more successful with more suitable candidates at right wing-back and left centre-back.

Having different systems to call upon could be crucial in the run in.

But right now, the back four does not need splitting up, considering how comfortable it is beginning to look, and the limited amount of money Albion have could be put to better use elsewhere.