West Brom debrief: Defensive shape, Diakite, boost from bench and a right-back concern

Correspondent Lewis Cox looks at some of the talking points from Teesside in the latest Albion debrief.

Hapless opener

It really was an unacceptable goal to fall behind in during any game - let alone one against the unbeaten leaders in a clash where the first goal is so key.

A set-piece - a throw-in, at that - and losing two contacts on the ball for the opposition to finish from inside six yards must drive any coach crazy.

A concerning fragility considering the strong backbone for Albion under Mason so far has been a defensive solidity. On this occasion, though, Nat Phillips and Jayson Molumby were beaten going for the same ball and striker David Strelec was left unchecked.

This is meant to be a physically strong and imposing side who do not gift such goals. Ousmane Diakite came into the side and added some aerial prowess, it was a shocker to give away and took the game away from Mason's visitors.

Diakite in side

The Malian midfielder plays a relatively limited role for Albion - and that is not meant as a criticism, but more in terms of what his attributes dictate.

He has been someone used as a substitute for much of his time at The Hawthorns, often late in games to sure up defensively or to add extra physicality in midfield.

A first Championship start since the final day of last season detailed how Albion would tackle the leaders, as they looked for more defensive structure and extra midfield numbers to thwart the hosts. Mason told the Express & Star afterwards he wanted Diakite to help shackle Boro attackers who play in pockets of space.

He did it at times, but once the visitors conceded the sloppy opening it was not going to work. Diakite's presence meant an attacker down and that did not help the Baggies find a way back, albeit he had one of the chances to draw level, with a decent chance saved by Sol Brynn.

Diakite was mostly in midfield and dropped when Boro attacked in a tweak of system. It may not be a regular switch Mason makes.

Johnston impact 

Winger Johnston, who has been bright at times this term, was the victim of Diakite's inclusion. Skipper Jed Wallace, on the other flank, stayed in the side.

Johnston was so bright when he came on. He immediately tested Boro's backline with some direct and tricky dribbling, as is the Irishman's style. He was a threat and got passes and crosses off - it was a threat his side had lacked.

He was doing so from both sides. Johnston popped up left, right and central trying to make a difference.

The likelihood is Johnston has played himself back into the starting line-up for Leicester next time. His head coach will hope for a similar impact from the off.

Right-back concern

There is a concern from supporters about the lack of a natural replacement for Tom Fellows after his move to Southampton. Wallace started at Boro and did OK, he was a threat with some deliveries. The club are confident Johnston can deliver out there, as well as new loanee Sammy Iling-Junior, who remained an unused sub despite at one stage appearing to be ready to enter.

Behind the right winger, though, has so far been centre-back signing George Campbell, in the Darnell Furlong right-back role after the latter's sale to Ipswich.

Campbell has made a decent impression and looks a strong and game defender so far, but as the weeks go by he is struggling at right-back.

It looks unnatural and gives an imbalance to Albion's side. He is not assured from an attacking perspective and not confident when he has to pass or cross the ball.

Fellow new boy Alfie Gilchrist, the signing from Chelsea, is waiting in the wings. He is behind on pre-season training and match sharpness, but cannot be far from involvement.