Lewis Cox's West Brom analysis: Already signs of Albion humming to Mowbray's tune

Mowbray has, at least in part, been brought in to deliver an attacking brand of football to The Hawthorns faithful. That much was made clear by Bilkul Football chiefs including sporting director Andrew Nestor as he sat with Mowbray at the head coach's unveiling.

Well the ownership would certainly have enjoyed Saturday's five-star home starter against Portsmouth.

Granted, Portsmouth's rotated troops were diabolical, but Albion still had to be there as an attacking unit to see them off and put them to bed in emphatic style.

Let us not forget others have come to The Hawthorns this season, shown far less ambition - I'm looking at you Millwall - and claimed a point. Cardiff are another example of very limited opposition, Stoke more recently, too.

An emotional trip to Middlesbrough last midweek was a tough start for Mowbray and the Baggies and the result was not one they wanted. There were one or two signs of progress, but Boro were better.

Against more inferior opposition, though, and in front of their own supporters Albion were devastating in a 30-minute spell either side of half-time when all five goals arrived. Before the 25th-minute opener Pompey had given as good as they got.

There were more than a few tell-tale signs that the experienced head coach is already having his influence felt behind the scenes at the Baggies' training base.

None more so than early in the second half at 4-0 up when Albion players bombed forward at breakneck speed in search of more goals. That particular move saw Albion five-on-four against a weary Pompey backline and was one of several more chances spurned.