The Verdict: Weary West Brom held but optimism reigns at The Hawthorns

But the 1-1 draw does little to detract from an excellent week of seven points from nine to extend an extremely exciting start to the new season.

It has been a punishing schedule for James Morrison’s troops. Seven games in 21 days is no small task - not to mention a second time having to play Wednesday night and Saturday lunchtime.

Little wonder the head coach has given his troops a couple of days off to rest and recuperate.

It has been intense. And Sunday’s big one at Molineux in rapidly approaching on the horizon.

There was no real sense of frustration from Morrison after his side were held by the Rs, another side who have begun the Championship season in impressive manner.

The hosts dominated all the statistics - possession, shots on and off target and had a superior expected goals (xG).

But clear chances were a little tough to come by and QPR, for their lack of the ball, forced Albion goalkeeper Max O’Leary into two fine second-half saves. The shot-stopper has proved doubters wrong so far this season and the sound of fans singing his name on Saturday was a satisfying one.

There was some fitting irony that Callum Styles, the left-back who answered his club’s right-back SOS call, popped up with a second goal in 11 days to emphasise his position as one of Albion’s talismanic figures.

Morrison put a wasteful nature in midfield and the final third down, in parts, to fatigue.

He felt there were weary bodies and minds and they had an influence on Baggies decision-making and ability.

Both sides had good reason to be tired and five changes made by either head coach reflected as much.

Morrison’s squad is not particularly deep and a couple of absentees will quickly take their toll. Factor in the head coach managing loads on players, including some key individuals, and the Baggies will be quickly stretched.

The hosts’ changes included a rest for top goalscorer Jimmy-Jay Morgan and midfield star Ousmane Diakite, as well as skipper George Campbell and academy graduate breakout star Harry Whitwell.

Conor Townsend and Chris Mepham came into the defence and showed their experience and class. Both were excellent and Mepham was very unfortunate the game’s opener was an own goal cannoned off his face.

Morrison is not afraid to do so and has underlined his trust in the squad built by club chiefs during the summer. His changes over the last week - four for Watford, three for Derby and five for QPR - is testament to that.

The squad is particularly light in a couple of areas.

Right-back is one, and that particular drama has been laid bare over the last few days. Nolan Galves has damaged the meniscus in his knee and will miss at least a couple of months.

His compatriot and fellow new boy in that position Brayann Pereira showed on his debut last week against Derby, where he lasted 34 minutes before a red card, he will need several rough edges smoothed out.

Albion’s man of the moment Styles delivered in some style, yet again, in the area of need.

One of the best left-backs in the Championship, Styles has developed into one of the club’s key men over the last 12 months or so.

He has played at an extremely high standard for some time now, and the ability to shuffle across to the right of defence - very much his weaker side - but still excel against Derby and QPR is testament to his ability and mentality.

The other area light on depth is up front. Morgan was rested, unsurprisingly with Wolves in mind next, and Aune Heggebo does know where the net is but he is still clearly feeling the effects of the illness he struggled with. He does not look his usual fighting self.

Morrison’s fresh, young, hungry new-look group has settled extremely well and few could have predicted such an exciting start.

But several of the 10 new summer recruits - most of them from different leagues or countries - are still acclimatising and are going to need time.

Not all can have the impact of Morgan.

Rabby Nzingoula looks extremely exciting but still needs experience to find his feet.

Galves started to show good progression but will now kick his heels. Pereira must do the same.

Toby Collyer enjoyed a bright debut and was a big plus. He was good with and without the ball and you feel, in time, can grow into an influential regular role. Felix Horn Myhre had his best game yet.

On the other side, young additions Kareem Tunde and Barney Stewart are clearly adjusting to the demands.

It’s a big one up next - and you have the feeling Morrison will hit the right note to have his troops ready.