West Brom debrief: The frustration is clear - but how can Albion sharpen up final third?

Frustration clear

Albion supporters had precious little to get excited about in the sleepy early kick-off. Ryan Mason's side were bright for five or 10 minutes but faded badly.

The head coach must find a way for his side to continue with a tempo and urgency.

Many inside The Hawthorns felt the hosts, with whom there was expectation and onus to beat the bottom side, did not have the urgency to get forward and make the difference.

Grumbles of discontent at half-time became louder groans in the second half and the full-time boos were not held back.

Albion fans expect a team that tries to attack and win games at this level. It has not always been a given in recent years, but a return of so few goals at this stage and performances of minimal chances has supporters concerned and seats empty.

Mason continues to insist he and his players have to work to improve and find solutions to improve a lack of clear chance creation. If not the jeers will become more prominent.

Misfiring strikers or creativity?

It was Josh Maja's turn to lead the line over Aune Heggebo for just a third start since his injury return and first 90 minutes, which is progress.

But Maja, perhaps understandably to a point, did not look at full fitness. He looked sluggish and to be struggling in spells.

There was little for him to latch on to in the final third. He usually holds the ball up well but wires were crossed this time. The odd ball fell his way in the box but his connection was off.

But where does the issue lie? The full extent of blame cannot be with Maja or Heggebo. The latter, well liked for his endeavour, has been criticised for not sniffing chances having started the bulk of games.

There is just not the required service to the top end of the pitch. That does not exempt the strikers from blame but there has to be more onus on the supporting cast, Isaac Price, Mikey Johnston, Samuel Iling-Junior or Karlan Grant, so too Alex Mowatt in midfield or Callum Styles from full-back.

Albion's xG and chance created stats are very low. Mason must find a way to unlock his unit's creative touch to deliver a more front-foot style.

Right-back progress

There was, at least, encouragement in that department as Alfie Gilchrist made his full debut, though cramped up late on.

He will be needed again at Charlton as George Campbell has a knock and Gilchrist showed signs of the benefit of a more natural in that role.

Gilchrist went on one or two refreshing raids and by and large used the ball well. He has a missile of a long throw-in, too, in keeping with the game's current trend.

Building the 21-year-old to a more consistent place will serve Albion well.