Ryan Mason showed little emotion as the final whistle blew at The Hawthorns, but inside there must have been deep satisfaction in the way his team had outwitted an in-form Sheffield United side.
West Brom had appeared brittle, lax and low on confidence in the first half of this Friday night tussle.
Sheffield United troubled the home side on numerous occasions. West Brom’s restless fans jeered careless moments of indecision and only one side seemed destined for victory.
That all changed after the break and those same supporters will hope the level of intensity and aggression from their team doesn’t relent as they emerge from the run of form that has put Mason’s coaching under the spotlight.
Whatever he said or did at the break had a swift impact.
In Aune Heggebo, West Brom have a striker finding razor-sharp form. His goal, and the one by Karlan Grant, were both splendidly taken strikes at the end of fluid attacking moves.
There could easily have been more goals especially given Sheffield United’s apparent weariness in the second 45 minutes.
West Brom clearly have talented players. Nat Phillips was excellent in defence while Mikey Johnston’s all-action display in midfield caught the eye.
It is understandable on the evidence of the second-half showing why West Brom fans believe their side should be operating much higher up the league. Time will tell if Mason can now consistently get the best out of his players in order for them to do so and their dreadful away form must be ended quickly.