West Brom notebook: Trio shine in statement win with progress clear
See the latest Baggies talking points in our notebook from a thrilling weekend in the capital.
Albion correspondent Lewis Cox shares his latest Baggies notebook after a statement win in the capital.
Morgan is back
Jimmy-Jay Morgan started the season like an express train, but his form over the last month had been slightly more muted.
That changed in east London.
The frontman - probably boosted by the belated awarding of an equaliser at Preston at the expense of Aune Heggebo - repaid James Morrison’s faith at London Stadium.
The head coach wanted Morgan’s movement off the shoulder of the Irons’ defence, and hoped to see the 20-year-old’s clever interplay, quick-thinking and technique stretch the static hosts.
It played out to perfection.
His run to latch on to the supreme Isaac Price’s exquisite pass for the opener was perfect. Morgan was totally unselfish as he squared for Felix Horn Myhre.
Morgan’s finish for Albion’s key second after the restart was exceptional for any level. It was two touches of perfection.
The seven-goal top scorer delivered on the big stage.
Felix fitting in
Norwegian summer recruit Horn Myhre bagged his second goal in three games with a second fine performance in a row.
We are seeing the clever, attack-minded midfielder fit into Morrison’s side and all of a sudden look like the player promised by all who saw him in his homeland.
He was well-placed to tap in the opener but it was Horn Myhre’s role for Albion’s second through Morgan that caught the eye most.
A first-time touch into the path of the striker, taking the ball out of the sky from Price with a cushioned bounce pass, was genius.
Horn Myhre, always a good presser with high energy levels, is starting to look at home in Baggies colours, and in a support role off a striker.
His intelligent movement was a joy to watch all game against excellent players. Yet there is the feeling there is more to come.
Outstanding Oussie
Midfielder Ousmane Diakite ran the show in Albion’s favour against the Hammers.
West Ham’s Arne Engels, a £22million summer signings, and Divine Mukasa, an on-loan Manchester City starlet, were dominated by Diakite and Jayson Molumby.
Diakite has always been a physical specimen, but on Saturday he looked head and shoulders above his rivals both with and without the ball.
The progress he has made technically in how he can handle and move the ball over the last 12 to 18 months is remarkable.
West Ham players struggled to get near him. And when they did they bounced off him. It was a hugely impressive display.
Comment Guidelines
Iconic Media encourages reader discussion on our stories. User feedback, insights and back-and-forth exchanges add a rich layer of context to reporting. Please review our Community Guidelines before commenting.