West Brom debrief: Mowbray's big call, attacking musings and bright new-boy cameo

There is a monumental clash on the horizon, though, as Bristol City - who leapt above the Baggies - play host on Tuesday night. Here are some Sunderland talking points in the debrief.

Huge call between sticks

Boss Tony Mowbray has stuck with Joe Wildsmith in goal and given his reasons as to why - but that resolve could be further tested now. This is not hindsight, but Alex Palmer was an excellent keeper and his loss has been felt.

Mowbray said after Wildsmith's error in the 1-1 draw at Burnley last month: "It's alright. I've said that goalies are allowed a mistake now and then - as long as it's not in every game and he's costing us goals. He hasn't been."

Wildsmith's gaffe to allow Trai Hume's free-kick to sneak in, which proved the winner, was his poorest yet for the Baggies and did not help with what little faith supporters had in the 29-year-old.

Scrutiny has intensified, as have the calls for Josh Griffiths to be handed a chance. Griffiths, 23, was recalled in January but has had to make do with a back-up role.

Mowbray suggested it unlikely Wildsmith would be dropped for Griffiths for a crunch clash at Bristol City on Tuesday, where defeat could be fatal for the Baggies' play-off hopes. The head coach did add he would see how the keeper reacts in training.

There is no way to dress it up other than a huge call at Ashton Gate. If Mowbray shows even more faith in Wildsmith he needs the keeper to repay with error-free displays. Griffiths must be wondering if or when his chance might come - Wildsmith's position should not cannot be untouchable if mistakes continue.

Performance level

Albion put in an altogether better performance than they did at Carrow Road seven days earlier, against better opposition, but ended with the same 1-0 defeat.

Supporters have been starved of goals for much of the season and an interest in positive play through the thirds without end product is low.

For Mowbray or any head coach, though, improvements in performances are important and he stated afterwards how are positives to take form how the hosts attacked.

Albion's use of the ball in the opposition's penalty box leaves so much to be desired. It has been for most of the season and certainly since Josh Maja's injury. Adam Armstrong continues to struggle - and Albion struggle to get the best from him.

It feels like a cycle that will continue to the summer. That in itself makes a top-six place look a stretch.

Looking up at rivals

The change in dynamic now has the Baggies out of the play-off places for the first time since Mowbray's first defeat in January.

For much of the season, even prior to that, Albion have sat relatively comfortably in either fifth or sixth despite inconsistencies with back-to-back and away victories rarer than hen's teeth.

Draws and the odd victory have been enough to lift the Baggies back in previously, but now we've reached crunch time and the only way a three-point gap to midweek hosts Bristol City and Middlesbrough is going to be reduced is with wins.

For that Mowbray's side need to find a scoring touch in the opposition's box and ensure no more gifts at the other end.

Bright Bany

Tammer Bany enjoyed a very useful 20-minute cameo and really caught the eye with the longest and brightest of his three appearances yet.

The Dane gave Mowbray food for thought and the head coach was praising in his verdict afterwards. It remains to be seen if and when Bany, who is still adjusting to a new style and culture, can start a game.

He did show a glimpse of the future, though, and will be an interesting prospect come the new season.

Mowbray's other early changes - Daryl Dike and Tom Fellows were introduced on the hour - also did pretty well. Dike was involved and forced to get up and running and on a couple of occasions he looked tired. The header over from Fellows' cross, which was a tough chance, was a glimpse into the partnership everybody had hopes of.

Fellows was bright and used well. He had a couple of raids down the flank and looked like his old self, which bodes well.