West Brom debrief: Caleb Taylor, the new man's assessment and absent Josh Maja links

Saturday's 5-1 defeat at Bournemouth did tease the travelling Albion fans - who were superb and did not stop singing all afternoon - with an early lead to celebrate.

But the Cherries flexed their Premier League muscle to dispatch the Baggies at a canter in what is set to be the caretaker team's finale with Raphael Wicky in line to take over.

Albion reporter Lewis Cox looks at some talking points in the debrief.

Composed Caleb

He will not remember it with too much fondness but the day belonged to Taylor from an Albion perspective.

The centre-back, 22 on Tuesday, marked his return from League One Wycombe with a start against a potent Bournemouth frontline. The academy graduate's inexperienced did not stand out, though, as he settled into the game so well.

Taylor's giant frame makes aerial duels a strength but it was his composed start with the ball that stood out before his header, a first Baggies goal, to open the scoring.

He was sent to Wycombe in the summer to play in a back four and on the early evidence it stood him in good stead.

The tie got tough. Taylor had one or two wobbly moments thereafter but Albion did as a collective. The youngster can be pleased with his display and it puts him in a good position should he be required in the Championship. His praise from Chris Brunt afterwards was deserved.

Wicky eye

Clearly the Swiss coach would have had a keen eye on proceedings at Dean Court and there was much to take from the first half hour before Bournemouth's breakthrough unsettled the visitors.

The final 10 minutes of the first period and first couple of the second half were a tough watch as Albion's belief flooded away. The Cherries took their foot of the gas but Albion substitutes - the caretaker team's seven changes to Bournemouth's six said a lot - helped stem the flow later on.

Wicky would have enjoyed performances from the bench by Jayson Molumby and Ousmane Diakite. Both have performed well in recent weeks. Mikey Johnston was lively too.

There were some in blue and white who struggled. Mason Holgate was lapse for a couple of goals and Uros Racic's midfield struggles continue. John Swift started OK but faded badly. He was not alone but as one of those to come in and catch the eye, it could have gone better.

Major absence

Top goalscorer Josh Maja was a notable absentee from Albion ranks - not least because Bournemouth are one of the clubs tentatively linked with an interest in his services.

Brunt said afterwards that the striker - as well as defender Kyle Bartley - were carrying knocks and niggles and had to be managed given the busy period before it. Maja, 26, has been flogged all season with little back-up. Goal threat aside, Maja's hold-up and combination play was sorely missed.

The weekend brought unsubstantiated reports from overseas that Premier League big guns Chelsea and Tottenham hold an interest in Maja, who the report claims Albion value at £15million.

As reported earlier this month by the Express & Star, Albion have no interest in losing Maja, who was signed for free in 2023. Nor do they have to sell star assets, Maja or Tom Fellows, to survive PSR infringements.

As is ever the case though - and Maja only has 18 months left on his deal - every player has a price and it remains to be seen if any club coughs up the kind of cash that would tempt the Baggies this month.