West Brom debrief: Irritation but intent and several more steps forward

The Baggies looked to be heading through against Derby courtesy of Aune Heggebo's second-half goal but Joe Ward struck deep into stoppage time and the Rams were successful on penalties.

Here are some considered views in the latest debrief.

Irritation but intent

Head coach Ryan Mason clearly cut a disappointed figure in his post-match press duties after his side fell short on spot-kicks.

But, removing himself from the outcome, the Baggies boss seemed very satisfied with the performance generally, and rightly so. Albion were some way better than league rivals Derby. The hosts created more and better chances and their play generally followed the encouraging trend of Saturday's win over Blackburn.

Mason named a stronger starting line-up than his counterpart John Eustace, so perhaps there was more onus on the home side, but the call to go with a strong side was refreshing to The Hawthorns faithful who have longed for domestic cup competitions to be taken seriously.

Twenty efforts at goal and six on target bodes well. Albion's expected goals (xG) was a little low at 1.50 but the eye test showed several decent chances. An incredible stat was 35 touches in the opposition box to five - but the visitors only needed one, late on.

The hosts were guilty at times of too many touches in Derby's penalty area.

It was easy to see why Mason liked a lot of what he saw and supporters likewise - especially the intent to progress.

Useful squad exercise

Mason made six changes, the rough figure expected given his relatively limited options and most of the players that came in made a positive impression.

There was a full debut for George Campbell, the American defender used in his natural centre-back role for the first time. Campbell cut a dominant figure as he steamed into challenges and won aerial duels. He was a little rusty with passes at times with the ball but happy to maraud forward with the ball. He looks a promising acquisition.

A senior bow for academy graduate prospect Alex Williams went well. The right-back, 20, is a Wales under-21 international and was surprisingly given the nod with Darnell Furlong suspended.

Williams, from Warwick, delivered the solid and steady displays he gives for Albion's under-21s on the senior stage. He tackled well, kept possession safe and tried to attack where possible.

Caleb Taylor was excellent alongside Campbell in defence bar the poor challenge to give away a free-kick for Ward's 96th-minute equaliser. He repelled everything but will be disappointing by the ending.

Further forward and Ousmane Diakite enjoyed a positive night in midfield. He is combative and imposing, got around the pitch well, closing passing lanes and cutting off moves. Mikey Johnston was afforded a start on the wings and was a threat for a lot of the night. He tested Josh Vickers and laid on a chance for Isaac Price.

Josh Maja returned from his eight-month lay-off and was immediately involved. It was great to see him.

Bright start

It has been an encouraging couple of performances to start the new campaign generally and the same can be said for a couple of regulars.

Price danced around the pitch gracefully with delightful pieces of skill. At times he was on a different wavelength to colleagues. He looks a real star.

Summer recruit Heggebo importantly opened his account in blue and white stripes. It is always important strikers do so for a new club sooner rather than later.

He sniffed out a poacher's finish from Price's nod down and finished well and it will boost confidence. Tom Fellows, Alex Mowatt and Callum Styles have also enjoyed promising first games this term.

Wildsmith disappointment

Deputy goalkeeper Joe Wildsmith had precious little to do but was frustratingly beaten when it mattered with almost the last kick of the game.

Ward should not have been given the opportunity to score from the position outside the left side of the box, almost on the byline. The only place he could have buried the dead ball was looped into the far corner.

Wildsmith, against his former club, stepped out and the ball sailed over his head. He would have craved a clean sheet having been dropped for Josh Griffiths following wobbles last season and that late goal spoiled his evening. One save in the shootout was not enough.

Heggem absence

Norwegian defender Heggem was the only first-team player left out of the matchday 20.

Mason told the Express & Star it was a decision to rest him due to limited defensive options. Bologna's interest is not going away and Albion knew they could get by numbers-wise without risking Heggem on Tuesday. Nat Phillips on the bench was cover enough.

Heggem will almost certainly be back in for Wrexham on Saturday, assuming things do not accelerate before then, but his absence was suspicious. Campbell and Taylor gave examples of their ability to deputise - while late window Albion spending and a profit and sustainability boost will be aided by his sale.