West Brom debrief: Phenomenal Grant, tired squad and goals conceded proof

Carlos Corberan's men chalked up just a second win in 14 games with victory over the Sky Blues as they were able to put to an end a frustrating sequence of draws.

Albion reporter Lewis Cox looks at some of the talking points.

Grant's redemption arc

Karlan Grant is quite simply the man at the moment. He is putting in a strong claim for player of the season at the moment - who had that on their bingo card in the summer?

The attacker was out in the cold a year ago. Happy to be farmed out to a league rival to save on wages. We reported Grant had come back a different physical specimen in the summer and he continues to show it.

Corberan said after his superb goal, Albion's second, sealed the victory that the forward has hardly put a foot wrong this season.

His desire and attitude with and without the ball is a joy to watch. He is putting in the yards and more, going above and beyond. But that fifth goal of the season was all about his quality, as well as drive. It was a stunning run and finish. What a rejuvenation and redemption story. It is clear Corberan is absolutely loving it.

Maja missing his mojo

Grant stepped up to the plate when he was really needed against the Sky Blues. Frank Lampard's men were well on top in the second half - the stats proved it - and Albion were under the cosh. An equaliser looked on the cards.

The Baggies had lost top scorer Josh Maja in the break. The Nigerian was withdrawn for Corberan, who turned to John Swift as a deeper option.

It might have looked a bold change in removing 10-goal striker Maja but it was unsurprising. Maja looked exhausted in a fairly anonymous first half. He looked tired too against Sheffield United on Sunday and Corberan flagged up his weariness in his pre-match press conference ahead of a three-game week.

It is no surprise. Maja has had little rest and needs a break. Grant stepped up and Swift had a strong half. Maja may have another breather at Watford on Sunday. There is such an overreliance on him up front.

Swift and subs' contribution

One of the storylines of the season has been a lack of impact from the bench for Albion. Swift, Jed Wallace, Lewis Dobbin, Grady Diangana, Uros Racic, others too, have all failed to influence games as substitutes. 

It changed on Wednesday. Swift was given a big chance at half-time - Corberan considered starting him - and the attacking midfielder was busy and linked play well.

He showed for passes and was imaginative and purposeful with his use of the ball.

He wasn't alone, either. Club captain Wallace has had it tough this term but was lively and looked sharper than he has at times. It was refreshing to see.

Kyle Bartley was offered a breather from the off too and arrived late on. Mason Holgate performed well in his absence. Albion need more of the squad pitching in.

Palmer's presence

Coventry deserved something from the match. There was an element of fortune to Albion's win. Alex Mowatt's opener was deflected and the Sky Blues had the lion's share of the dangerous chances.

Albion goalkeeper Alex Palmer was called into action right at the start of the first half and right at the end with two close-range stops. He had to make a third key save at 1-0 after the hour.

Palmer drifts under the radar and more than deserves a mention here after recording a 10th clean sheet in 20 games this season.

At times his distribution may not be to everyone's taste, but he as much as anybody earned his side that victory.

First goal record

Albion are now 29 games without defeat having when they have scored the game's first goal. That run dates back to Blues away in October 2023.

It is quite the record and does show where Corberan excels - protecting a lead once it is achieved.

Scoring the first goal in games has seldom been so key for any Albion side. The Baggies seem almost unbeatable when they get their noses in front. Corberan has identified the need to keep playing, and keep attacking, when ahead. The next aim has to be more clean sheets, like Wednesday, to ensure fewer draws.