Analysis: West Brom are on superb run - but are also stuttering slightly

But the fact that they blew a two-goal lead at the Bet365 Stadium and the fact it is the third draw in eight days, and their third under-par display, shows Albion are suffering a bit of a stutter.

In the Potteries, it was on the cards to be a bit of a smash-and- grab day when they went two up.

When Stoke got back into it you could almost admit that they deserved it – and they did deserve a leveller.

But the manner of that goal and the fact the game, which looked in Albion’s grip, had slipped away from them, left somewhat of a sour taste.

Those overall statistics mentioned above do soften things, but this last week has shown that Albion are stalling slightly, but it is only natural.

What they need to do is make sure they win their home games in their run to the play-offs.

The gap to the sides below them has been cut with Norwich and Coventry both winning on Saturday.

But as long as it remains in Albion’s hands, they need to turn up.

However, one thing pointed out by Corberan after the game is the fact that even though his side are struggling to get over the line for three points, they are finding a way to still get something.

They found a way down at The Den, they found a way against Watford to come back from 2-0 down.

And although they were poor in the goals they conceded in the second half against Stoke, they had found a way to somehow get themselves two to the good.

It might be a collective effort to ‘grind it out’ but there has been one catalyst in the last eight days, and he goes by the name of Grady Diangana.

He won the penalty at Millwall, he came off the bench to set up two goals last Monday, and he played a hand in both goals at Stoke.

And to be honest, up until the opener he had looked like the only Albion who could create.

It was all Stoke, who, like Millwall, were playing up to the way Corberan had described them, as a side who shouldn’t be in the position they are in if you judged them by their squad on paper.

Alex Palmer had to make two smart saves to keep the Potters out, while some wayward finishing cost them as Albion scored against the run of play. Mikey Johnston had gone off the ball somewhat in the last two games, but he sparked back into life.

There aren’t many wingers who can scare defenders like he does when he picks the ball up on the left-hand side and cuts in field.

He did that at Stoke and found Diangana, who had the quality to hold the ball, wait for Johnston to drift through the Stoke backline and then find him.

The Celtic loanee finished with aplomb and it was a quiet relief to repel any worries his spell for Albion may be over.

Then it went back to what it was before, Stoke on top and looking the more likely.

As many questions at the break, ‘how are Albion winning this’.

The second half began in basketball fashion with both sides getting into good areas.

Palmer again made a save, but then just as Stoke built up ahead of steam, Albion struck.

Diangana chested the ball into the path of Johnston, who found Jed Wallace. He fed Brandon Thomas-Asante, who arguably showed what his main quality is.

He has had to play as a main striker for much of his time at the club, but he showcased his wing qualities in an area of the pitch that he played in before his time at Albion.

He drove past the full-back and delivered a cross, and with Dan Iversen unable to gather, the ball fell to Wallace, who was in prime position to stab home. It was a goal that kind if optimised what Albion haven’t done this season.

You could have been forgiven for losing count of the times that Albion had put balls into prime goalscoring areas, only to fluff it or not have someone gambling.

Wallace showed a striker’s instinct to get in there.

But rather than taking the game to the home side, Albion sat off again.

Stoke whipped the crowd up, got back on the front foot and got the goal their display deserved.

Million Manhoef picked up the ball in the area and with Albion static he had space to pick his spot.

Albion continued to be forced back, and a bizarre incident led to the equaliser.

Yann M’Vila has impressed so far for the club in his cameo displays, but when he put a high boot into Tyrese Campbell’s upper back in the area, everyone from an Albion persuasion were left bemused.

Andre Vidigal saw his spot-kick saved by Palmer but hammered in the rebound – and Stoke were smelling blood.

However, Albion did stem the tide of attacks and could have snatched it at the death.

Tom Fellows turned the full back and crossed for Andi Weimann, but he slashed at the cross and his effort went well wide.

A point was fair but from the position Albion were in, it was hard to stomach and very much a missed opportunity