James Morrison eager to see a West Brom 'balance' as boss addresses set-pieces

James Morrison admitted Albion are learning on the job when it comes to being dominant in possession.

The Baggies’ style has developed over the summer from a “compact” side that eked out Championship survival to a expansive and fluid, easy-on-the-eye outfit.

Albion had 71 per cent of the ball in Wednesday’s frustrating draw with Charlton and even had more possession when seen off by Middlesbrough last Saturday, where the Teesside hosts benefitted from two controversial goals.

Morrison has stressed his new-look side are ahead of schedule after a bright start to the season and he believes unpicking the lock against stubborn defences is an area his players can develop in. A more attack-minded Albion are also yet to keep a clean sheet in six this term, something irritating the boss.

"I am - but it's about the balance, isn't it really?" Morrison said when asked about Charlton ruining Wednesday’s clean sheet.

“Now we're so dominant. Last year we were so compact, but we didn't have the ball as much as we do now.

"So it's our job to try to break opponents down and that's how it's going to be."

Albion were dominant in a 3-1 win over Burnley and even had lots of the ball at times against Premier League Newcastle.

The opening goal on the hour against Charlton Wednesday was a Callum Styles rocket from a half-cleared corner. Set-pieces have lacked so far this term, however, and Morrison agreed.

Several short corners came to little and dead ball deliveries into the box have been too easy to defend.

The head coach said: "Watching them, we just thought there might be opportunities to play them short, but we just didn't find the best opportunity.

"And then our delivery wasn't good enough. But we get the goal from that.

"I'm just more concerned about where we are around the end of the box with our last pass, or with crosses coming in.”