West Brom debrief: Heggebo persistence, surprisingly successful versatility, Mikey's magic and a show of belief

Hero Heggebo

It has not been the easiest transition to English football from his homeland for the 24-year-old striker.

Through no fault of his own he arrived with a hefty price tag of £4.7million - relative to Albion's financial position - which ups the onus on Heggebo to deliver.

Saturday's fine header eight minutes after being introduced from the bench was a first home Championship goal and just a third in all competitions, his first in 10 games.

Many Albion fans have developed a soft spot for Heggebo, who is clearly a very willing trier and will never give up a lost cause.

His ability to sniff out a chance and goal has been questioned, though, but Mason disagrees and Saturday's winner from Isaac Price's cross is evidence of that. Mason pointed to the "10 or 15 runs" the striker also made which were not picked out.

Terrific Taylor

Eyebrows were raised when 32-year-old loanee Charlie Taylor, a left-back, was named at centre-half in a back four. He was in a back three at Charlton and fared relatively well, but this was a different call.

Southampton full-back Taylor deserves a lot of credit for a fine display overall. He made countless blocks and clearances and his big frame does add some physicality alongside Nat Phillips.

Mason explained Chris Mepham missed out with a fitness concern and Kyrstian Bielik was unable to start twice in a few days given the long period since he last did so, with the Pole feeling the effects of a first start at Charlton. Centre-back George Campbell is injured.

It is not ideal relying on someone out of position but Taylor showed he can be a useful versatile option if required.

Magic Mikey

There can surely be no doubting that winger Mikey Johnston is his side's most threatening attacker when on song like that.

He was a thorn in the U's backline all afternoon. In an uninspiring first period the Republic of Ireland trickster was taking the game to the visitors on his own. He needed colleagues to step up.

There was no surprise when the Oxford own goal to draw Albion level - which ended a Baggies drought of more than six hours in front of goal - was created down Johnston's left.

Mason was more satisfied with the winger's worth ethic on a fine individual afternoon.

The only criticism that can be levelled at the former Celtic man is not enough goals and assists - bearing in mind most wingers' lack of consistency - and if he can improve there he will be a leading Championship player. Albion must, however, not become overly reliable on him.

Show of resilience

It has been an awful spell for Albion and Mason on whom scrutiny was growing.

Pressure had cranked right up in the stands and would do so from the boardroom if results kept getting away from the Baggies and a lowly bottom-half status was not improved on.

When former loanee Will Lankshear gleefully tapped home to open the scoring the worst was feared and toxicity bubbled under. Mercifully the hosts took just two minutes to hit back, to quell some discontent.

A refusal to lie down should not go unnoticed. Sides in that position, when belief and faith has drained, could go under and buckle. Albion did not on this occasion and showed fight. It showed the belief in the coaching staff and methods.