West Brom talking points: Encouraging attacks, Hawthorns noise and a Bartley hint?

Head coach Ryan Mason oversaw a 1-0 victory over Blackburn at The Hawthorns to enjoy a winning start to the new campaign.

Attacking with numbers

It was the first time most had the chance to see a Mason side in action and they would have been pretty satisfied - not least with how Albion worked in the final third.

The energy was good. At times they hounded Valerien Ismael's visitors with good numbers and swarmed around looking to win the ball by pressing hard.

Not just that, they also moved it forward quickly and with plenty of bodies, too. New striker Aune Heggebo was the spearhead, but goalscorer Isaac Price and the wide boys Tom Fellows and Karlan Grant offered support, though Fellows and Grant were well-shackled. Jayson Molumby gives energy from midfield, too.

Albion locals can at times be weary of slow, ponderous possession and there was not too much of that. The hosts showed intent and purpose when they got forward, centrally and out wide.

They created more chances than to win by a one-goal margin. That dropped into the second half as Rovers sensed a chance for a point, but as starters go this was encouraging from an attacking perspective.

Mixed Furlong view

Darnell Furlong had a solid game overall and his familiar long throw-in created the match-winner. He was defensively decent for the most part.

But two yellow cards late in the contest proved costly. His pair were part of four overall for the hosts and it was with Furlong's daft first booking where he can be disappointed. Rovers substitute Augustus Kargbo got the better of him down the touchline and Furlong did not need to make the cynical pull back.

It left him on a tightrope. The second caution, on 90 minutes, was a little more harsh. Furlong was committed but a split-second late into an aerial duel. He can probably have few complaints, but the damage was done with the first needless foul.

Fortunately, he will serve his ban in the EFL Cup first round on Tuesday night, and will be available to face Wrexham on Saturday.

Hawthorns faithful united?

There was a good noise inside The Hawthorns on Saturday. Opening-day optimism is nothing new but fans certainly rallied behind new boss Mason and his side.

You wonder how much the newly-introduced safe standing areas in the upper Smethwick End and Millennium Corner played a role? It is tough to say early on.

The performance encouraged fans, who responded well. But the Baggies faithful brought the atmosphere from before kick-off. The Liquidator was well-received and continued on.

It felt like there was a belief and a willingness to get behind a new era in the famous old ground.

Bartley role

Albion confirmed the surprise news of Kyle Bartley's retirement from playing due to injury 24 hours before the curtain-raiser.

Mason stressed he and the club would like Bartley to have a role of sorts moving forward. He did not say whether in an official or unofficial capacity - and you never quite know whether the player will want to take time away for his family.

But Bartley, 34, did add he will not be a stranger and said his children are now also Baggies.

He was with the group on Saturday and took his place near the back of the dugout ahead of kick-off. Bartley, who was vice-captain, was a big voice in the dressing room and may remain that for now.