Half-season report card: West Brom on course to be top of the class

Top performer: Matheus Pereira

Matheus Pereira has proved an inspired loan signing by Albion this season, and one which is certain to become permanent – especially given his bargain £8.25m price tag.

He’s one of, if not the best player in the Championship, and has the ability to dictate play, create chances and produce moments of magic seldom seen in many players.

His performance against Swansea at the start of December showed just what a force the Brazilian can be, scoring one and assisting three in the 5-1 win.

He’s on course to total almost 30 assists this season, that would surpass the 22 registered by Graham Dorrans a decade ago. Albion earned promotion from the second tier that year – if Pereira continues to weave his magic you’d back them to replicate that success.

Must do better: Rekeem Harper

As drop-offs go, you won’t see too many like that of Rekeem Harper over the past six months.

Under Darren Moore and Jimmy Shan, we saw Harper break into the first-team and quickly solidify his place in the heart of midfield with some promising performances. He began drawing interest from top flight clubs over the summer, and when Slaven Bilic tied him down to a new deal in July it seemed like the only way was up.

Fast-forward half-a-year and we’ve seen the 19-year-old in senior action just twice (with one of those appearances just a six-minute cameo off the bench on the opening day).

Time is on his side, but the this season has been far from great.

Manager: Slaven Bilic

As sexy a name as it was, there were some legitimate questions posed regarding Slaven Bilic’s appointment by Albion in the summer. Those have been answered concisely with the performances he’s masterminded.

Coming in during a tumultuous summer, which saw two of Albion’s prime goalscorers leave – along with influential defender Craig Dawson – Bilic rebuilt the side like a master craftsman.

His game management has been top drawer, too. Countless times Bilic has brought on an inspired substitute to change a game. Such is his tactical nous, fans still back him to the hilt when the Baggies go behind.

He’s a Premier League boss managing in the Championship – he’s proven that much.

Where to strengthen: Striker

Striker is the big one when it comes to January.

Charlie Austin and Kenneth Zohore were both brought in over the summer to replace the goals lost following the departures of Dwight Gayle and Jay Rodriguez. Both have had varying degrees of success to say the least, with Austin scoring some big goals while Zohore has struggled to make any real impact.

Hal Robson-Kanu has battled both of them off for that starting spot up-front, but should Albion want to rubber-stamp their title credentials you’d imagine a prolific striker is needed.

There’s also the claret and blue knife dangling above them ready to cut Grady Diangana’s magnificent loan spell short. If that happens, Albion will need at least one winger, too.

Grade: A

Albion fans could hardly have dreamed for a better start to the season, losing just twice in 26 games.

Having opened up a nine-point gap over third-placed Brentford, they are in prime position to get back into the Premier League. Leeds are the big title rival right now, but things can change quickly in a division well-known for its unpredictability.

A striker and maybe a few more solid attacking options in January would be just the tonic for any fans getting a bit worried about their promotion chances.

But with Bilic in charge, and if the current squad stay put, you’d still back them to be popping the champagne bottles open in May.