Lewis Cox's West Brom analysis: James Morrison has the Baggies alive and kicking again

But, almost from nowhere, it appears there could be some light at the end of the tunnel.

Bon Jovi's 'Keep The Faith' blared out of The Hawthorns speakers as a delighted home crowd departed after full-time.

There is faith and belief now, alright, and is chiefly thanks to the galvanising work of one man who needs little introduction in these parts - James Morrison.

The contrast from Mozza's first game at the helm of this latest spell two weeks earlier at Oxford United is remarkable.

That miserable day at the Kassam Stadium, Morrison gave a viciously honest tongue lashing after Albion's latest pitiful display. Home truths were needed.

Thereafter he was named boss until the end of the season as the club backed their coach and former midfield legend. A few days later at Sheffield United's Bramall Lane there was a decent point and improved, battling display against a limited Blades side.

Against Southampton at The Hawthorns last Wednesday there were further improvements and the hosts were good value to beat the in-form Saints but somehow chucked away another victory at the death for the umpteenth time this season.

There was concern from some, including Morrison, whether players could recover physically and emotionally from that cruel blow.

There need not have been.

Saturday's 3-0 dismantling of promotion-seeking Hull, whose away record is the joint-best in the Championship, was quite the response.

It ended the damaging winless drought of 13 league games, just one short of the humiliating run three decades ago during Albion's bleak days of the mid-nineties.

It belatedly kicked off 2026 with belief and confidence now coursing through the squad and fanbase.

It is the kind of feeling that has been missing since August.

Albion were relentless against the Tigers. They had far too much both with and without the ball.

In possession they showed quality and incisiveness with 26 shots with eight on target. Hull chased shadows all afternoon and defender Charlie Hughes' red card for hauling down Jed Wallace at 1-0 down before half-time had little bearing on the contest. It was already one-way traffic.

Morrison's men began the weekend second-bottom but ended Saturday out of the drop zone by a single place and point. Results elsewhere mostly went their way, bar Blackburn's impressive comeback win at Millwall, but it is mostly redundant holding out for favours elsewhere - Albion have to manage their own business.

Those barren runs without victory - it was December 29 for any league success and goes back to October 1 for an away league win, something that can be addressed at Bristol City next time out - were like a millstone around Albion necks.

Now it has been lifted and the Baggies are freed to play with less fear and trepidation. The Hawthorns faithful showed once again they are ready to back their side in this dogfight.

The crowd was as loud as it has been for some time. It is some response from a fortnight ago and the "you're not fit to wear the shirt" toxicity booming out from the Kassam Stadium away end.

Crucially, Albion strikers and attackers found the net. The recalled Josh Maja, in for Daryl Dike who had a breather, netted in the league for the first time since Norwich on October 1.

Top scorer Aune Heggebo ended a run of 17 appearances without a goal, dating back to December 12. Relief was palpable.

Isaac Price added the third late on, capping a fine display, and the outpouring of emotion in his celebration was telling. Price has been through the wringer this term. But his relentless energy shows he cares.

Price wasn't alone. Albion were superb from back to front.

Skipper Wallace was like the player that checked in from Millwall all those years ago. The midfield partnership of Ousmane Diakite and Jayson Molumby has almost come from nowhere to play a starring role.

But the final word belonged to loan right-back Danny Imray - or Dani Alves as Albion fans half-joked in comparison to the legendary Brazilian. His rampant raids were something else.

Morrison's name echoed around The Hawthorns, with Albion's reluctant hero behind this timely resurgence.

The job is far from done with Albion just one point clear.

But the belief is back and the club is galvanised. Mozza has the Baggies alive and kicking again.