West Brom talking points: Defence depth, a keeping decision & sparkling Swift

Albion faced a Clarets side who had not lost at home all season, and had only conceded a handful of games.

But they had the hosts worried when John Swift put them ahead with a stunner, before Zian Flemming took advantage of a Joe Wildsmith error to level things up.

Jonny Drury looks at a couple of taking points from the game:

The defensive changes issues

We were discussing how just one change on Saturday showed how things had changed in recent weeks under Tony Mowbray, with the manager getting to know his squad.

Then this selection came around, with five changes to his line-up. The Darnell Furlong sending off was always going to force the Baggies boss into changes, but not many expected five.

Kyle Bartley was left out, after it was hinted he would not be able to complete three games in a week, and that represented a big blow. But it is a big blow because of the other defenders not being available.

Had Semi Ajayi been fit, having both Bartley and Furlong out may not have been as much of an issue, with Mason Holgate able to slot in at right back.

There was a period where Albion were stacked earlier in the season when it was not the case.

I think what the selection does show, with Ousmane Diakite having to go into the back line, is that Albion can ill afford to have players out in that area during the run in.

It arguably hits them more than anywhere else due to a lack of options. Reflecting after the game, Diakite showed that he can step into that role with a superb display. He was immense.

But the point is still valid, if Albion suffered more suspensions or injuries in the run in, they could look vulnerable in that area.

A goalkeeping decision for Tony Mowbray?

Joe Wildsmith was handed the nod in goal for Albion after Alex Palmer's January departure, with some questioning why young, highly rated shot stopper Josh Griffiths wasn't handed the gloves after his loan recall.

Mowbray went with Wildsmith, and questions were asked straight away following an error in the 2-0 defeat to Blackburn Rovers.

He was then one of those arguably at fault for a goal at Leeds, but his biggest howler came at Turf Moor when he failed to hold a pretty routine shot that was dropped to the feet of Zian Flemming.

It was a shocker, a howler, and no one will need to remind Wildsmith of that. He will know what has happened and will be feeling it more than anyone.

But does it now pose a question for Mowbray? With Griffiths waiting in the wings and Mowbray already stating that there was stiff competition there, will he be forced to look at it?

There are three errors in there now, that could potentially prove costly in the race for the play-offs. Personally, I don't think he will change it, I believe he will back Wildsmith.

But I would be very, very surprised if the question isn't going through his head after the latest issue.

Swift sparkles once again

Tony Mowbray has waxed lyrical about Swift since he came in, and the playmaker has delivered for him.

The midfielder has netted three times for Mowbray, having not score all season and he has played a key role in some big displays against Leeds and Burnley.

He had a big job on his hands at Turf Moor, in a midfield two, but he excelled. His work rate was superb and he was the main creator.

The headline is the goal, because it was a stunner. But it has shown again that he can play a big part for Albion in the run in, even though he may not be around next season.

He is out of contract and whether he stays beyond that is a debate in itself. If Albion do get up this season, Swift has a big part to play, despite the fact he may not be here next season.