West Brom debrief: Mowbray's way and 'toiling' away issues?

Tony Mowbray's men were good value for their point in the 1-1 draw against the in-form Championship leaders which could have gone either way in the closing stages.

We take a look at some of the talking points in the debrief.

Mowbray's way

Albion's head coach promised Albion would not go to Elland Road looking to defend. He said doing so would almost-certainly result in defeat. Moreover, Mowbray admitted that setting does not exist in his playbook.

Eyebrows were raised on Mowbray's team selection as John Swift was selected in support of Adam Armstrong with Isaac Price shuffled right in place of Tom Fellows.

They should not have been raised. Swift put in an effective performance and played a part in Albion's goal.

More importantly, Albion showed they can perform in an expansive, attack-minded style against the best side in the Championship. They troubled Leeds where others have struggled.

If that cannot inspire Mowbray's men then few things will. If the Baggies can pass and move the ball how they did at Elland Road, they should be confident of troubling all opposition. Mowbray did not want to be satisfied by similar at Millwall a fortnight earlier, but he could be encouraged here.

Price is right

Albion's January recruit Price has given the impression he is comfortable in a few midfield roles, as well as supporting attack. However this was the first time we had seen him out on the flank.

The outlook early on was that Fellows, who has had a dip in form, might be missed. But that did not prove to be the case.

Price gave an early show of his quality with a race down the right and pinpoint low cross for Swift's chance. The Northern Ireland international continues to look so adept in most parts of the game. He has an engine, a physicality and quality in possession.

Wide midfield is not and will not be his best role, but the fact he did so well is yet another string in the £2.5million recruit's bow. He looks some prospect.

Goalkeeper gaffe?

Joe Wildsmith has done largely well for the side since replacing Alex Palmer between the sticks.

He had a tough night against Blackburn in the 2-0 home defeat, though Mowbray insisted the first goal that night came via a slight deflection which made it tougher.

But Wildsmith did play a part in the poor goal shipped to Junior Firpo early on against Leeds. Albion never recovered from a loose ball out from the back and the defending from Dan James' cross was poor. Firpo ran off Kyle Bartley and Wildsmith committed and was stranded when he did not need to be.

That was an error but the former Sheffield Wednesday keeper - still favoured over the recalled Josh Griffiths - continued to play the ball out of his box competently. Mowbray said last week he has been pleased with the goalkeeper department.

Furlong's long wait

Right-back Darnell Furlong bagged five goals last season and was a handy source of attack for his side. His looping header to equalise at Elland Road, though, was his first goal since last May.

Furlong has all the attributes to be a regular contributor of goals. He is so strong in the air but not only that, he has an excellent strike on him around the edge of the box.

His effort to beat Illan Meslier from there was as well-executed as it was intelligent. The experienced full-back struggled once or twice with the ball at Leeds but came up with a decisive big moment.

Away toils?

Mowbray said after the game he had heard suggestion his side are "toiling" away from home - they are yet to win in either of Mowbray's four away matches at the helm.

The head coach disagreed and went on to mention damaging incorrect decisions against his troops, Plymouth the obvious standout. Leeds, Millwall, Plymouth and Middlesbrough has not been an easy run for the new boss.

A somewhat under the radar statistic is that Albion have not won in 11 away fixtures - 10 in the league - dating back to Hull on November 10.

It would be assumed that has to be improved on for the Baggies to snare a play-off place, but the side have been inconsistent for a number of months now and still do not have consecutive victories since September. That in itself is a mind-blowing stat.

Perhaps it will play out as a season as inconsistency and still be enough for fifth or sixth?