West Brom debrief: Poor form, mystery subs and performance drop-off

The Baggies started well at Deepdale and led through Karlan Grant's wonderfully crafted and finished opener, but that was as good as it got in Lancashire.

We look at a few of the hot topics in the latest Albion debrief.

Uncomfortable form

It might be the highly unusual sequence of nine draws from 10 games, but a run of one win in 12 is just that - uncomfortable.

It feels as though Albion are frightened to lose games to the point they are not showing anywhere near enough attacking impetus or killer instinct to win them.

There have still only been two league defeats this season and that is commendable. Corberan is right that draws are better than defeats, but five wins and five defeats would be a more valuable return in this run, certainly in terms of points. Fans crave that action and entertainment.

What response from the fans would that run bring? Possibly mixed. But Albion would still be in the top six.

Fixtures ahead are not especially kind, certainly leaders Sheffield United and play-off-chasing Watford as two of the next three. Albion do not want the current sequence extend much further, particularly beyond the Christmas period, or the heat is likely to intensify.

Fan frustration

There were more muted sounds of disapproval after the last Hawthorns fixture against Norwich a couple of weeks ago, but this time there was no avoiding the dissatisfaction from the away end at Deepdale.

Albion were better in the second part of the second half than they were in the first. A couple of changes had helped with that. But it was not enough to force a full-blooded barrage for a winner.

Winger Tom Fellows was withdrawn with 15 minutes left but the decision to bring off Josh Maja five minutes from time irked the away fans.

Maja, the top scorer, was one of two changes as Jed Wallace and John Swift entered. The fans were not inspired and let their feeling be known. Corberan said he made changes as he saw the need and cited energy levels of his players.

The same came at full-time of the 1-1 draw. The frustration is there for all to see and hear, but there remains hope and goodwill of the fanbase for a head coach to turn things around.

Half-time drop-off

Albion's bright start fizzled out by the half hour mark as Preston found a foothold. But it was the first few moments of the second period it was clear the game would turn.

Home boss Paul Heckingbottom probably dished out a rollicking, but his call to change defensive midfielder Ben Whiteman for striker Will Keane did the trick.

Corberan also changed things at the break. Albion switched from a back four to a back five, Fellows went to left wing-back. It is unclear if this was a response to his opposite number's change or whether he felt the slacker end to the first half warranted it.

But, clearly, Albion could not get to grips with it. Preston ran all over their visitors in the first 15 minutes of the second half. The Baggies couldn't cope and might have conceded more than the equaliser they shipped to striker Emil Riis.

Corberan noted afterwards how his side began to struggle after half an hour. There was zero suggestion dropping back was a deliberate ploy or tactic, which begs the question why has a negative mindset held back the side on occasions?

Maja mystery

Maja's withdrawal was the big one to annoy the vociferous travelling faithful. The 10-goal striker had a decent game at Deepdale, as one of his side's better performers. He played a nice role in the opening goal.

Maja was also at the heart of Albion's only meaningful second half chance, after he won a free-kick when played through on goal and took it quickly and intelligently for Jayson Molumby, who was somehow denied from 10 yards by recovering midfielder Ali McCann.

The Nigerian's departure was mysterious, though not entirely surprising. Unfortunately for Albion, and Maja is not alone here, options in reserve are thin on the ground. Devante Cole has been the only natural replacement striker and has barely featured. Maja has been flogged into the ground and avoiding injury so far has been a Godsend to the Baggies.

Corberan referenced fitness to the chance, and that would be the case for Fellows too. Avoiding unnecessary injuries is clearly key, but winning games is the bottom line. There is no midweek fixture and eight days until the next game. Perhaps when a win is so desired the likes of Maja and Fellows, or one, can stay on.