Lewis Cox's West Brom analysis: Potential big step made it race for top six

Head coach Tony Mowbray vowed his side would not go to the leaders, previously unbeaten in 16 league games, just to defend for a point.

Mowbray felt there was no way he could pack his side in to defend and keep the rampant hosts out. He felt that would lead to defeat.

And he and Albion delivered on their promise. First of all with the team selection at Elland Road, Mowbray could have crammed the midfield with more physical, combative options, but instead he opted for a 4-4-2 and used a technical player like John Swift.

It would have been easy for Mowbray to go defensive. But ultimately Mowbray did what Mowbray does best.

Straight away Swift slid a chance wide showing Albion were not just in the mood to defend in West Yorkshire. They moved the ball forward with pace and imagination.

It was a terrible start from a Baggies' perspective, overall, though. Goalkeeper Joe Wildsmith was twice guilty as he lost the ball and came for a cross, which was misjudged allowing Junior Firpo to score. The returning Kyle Bartley did not inspire as he let Firpo loose in the box.

It looked ominous from that ninth-minute opener and you wondered where Mowbray's bold selection call and tactics would leave his side come the end of play as the Elland Road din grew.

There need not have been any concern.

The Baggies got straight on the horse and absolutely deserved their equaliser before half-time courtesy of Darnell Furlong's long-awaited first goal of the season.

Leeds came on strong in the second period. Daniel Farke's men were always likely to with the quality they possess. The table and recent results do not lie, they are the best side in the division.

They had more territory but Mowbray's men created as many decent chances. Late openings for Furlong and substitute Tom Fellows could have claimed a memorable away win.

To a man Albion defended manfully as Leeds cranked things up. As wobbly as the visitors were in the first 20 minutes or so, they really responded to deliver a highly encouraging rearguard display. They blocked and intercepted countless crosses and shots.

The manner of the visitors' display at Leeds has to offer encouragement for the final 11 games of the season as Mowbray's men vie for a top-six spot in an incredibly tight battle.

The Baggies are only the second side to deny the Whites three league points on their own patch since September.

Leeds supporters and journalists spoke after the game about how very few sides have come to Elland Road this season and not only caught the eye in such a manner but also been committed not to merely hunt for a draw - and fail.

Mowbray once again referenced his squad's mentality when assessing the clash afterwards.

He said Albion must take the performance level and understand that something similar against most sides in the division would deliver what the side are aiming for, regular wins to ensure a play-off place.

Turning a mentality into an attacking and ultimately winning one is what Mowbray has considered his biggest challenge since returning in January and it is ongoing - though this felt like a big step forward.

Regardless of a home thrashing against Portsmouth and a dramatic last-gasp Hawthorns win over Sheffield Wednesday, this was perhaps the biggest confidence boost under the new head coach so far.

With two home games in three prior to the March international break ahead, Albion must eye maximum points in front of their own fans if they are to really stamp their authority on this race at the late stage in the campaign.

With respect to 14th-placed Queens Park Rangers and Hull, in 21st, they are sides that should be dispatched when visiting the Black Country.

They will be dispatched if some of Mowbray's troops produce performance levels they did in West Yorkshire. That will be a challenge as QPR and Hull at home is a very different occasion to Leeds away. The onus is totally on Albion. The Baggies always tend to raise it against the division's big-hitters. That is where the consistency test comes in.

Among those were attacking duo Mikey Johnston and Isaac Price. Johnston was at his electric and skilful best and Albion need that more regularly from their winger.

Price goes from strength to strength. This time playing out on the right of midfield, he brought another excellent display beyond his years. He has energy, technique and physicality. It is early days but the January signing looks close to the full package at just 21. A perfect signing for the Bilkul Football model.

Further back, and in a unit boosted by Bartley's return, Torbjorn Heggem was in inspired form and the return to his best could be very timely. Callum Styles is back in good shape and was up against one of the division's top wingers in Dan James and kept him quiet. Styles deserves so much credit.

Mowbray will hope goalkeeper Wildsmith can find some consistent form. He has done well for large parts since Alex Palmer's departure but Leeds' goal was not good on his part, though he was not alone.

The Leeds draw felt like a big stride for Mowbray's men and could prove a power-up in this tightest of play-off battles.