West Brom's new final third "chaos" ploy

New boss Mowbray's main message both in the dressing room and in public has been to deliver a more forward-thinking Baggies to improve on a paltry goalscoring record under former boss Carlos Corberan.

Albion had mustered just 33 goals in 27 games prior to the returning head coach's arrival and the vast amount of draws - still a Championship high with 14 from 29 games - had been the story of their season.

Mowbray opened up with a 2-0 defeat at Middlesbrough last week and the message from the experienced boss to his players was to shoot more, a note that was delivered on in Saturday 5-1 demolishing of Portsmouth. Mowbray has also demanded his players counter-press - hunt energetically to win back possession - rather than settle into a more defensive shape they were accustomed to.

Midfielder Alex Mowatt, who opened the scoring from range against Pompey, told BBC WM:  "He (Mowbray) has said the same with us, he wants us to play forward quicker, create a bit of chaos at the back for the other team, get them defending their goal, get shots off.

"That is what we're trying to do. Obviously we played for so long in the way of Carlos, so it's about changing and adapting to how the new man wants to play and I'm sure over time we'll do that.

"I'd say that's what it is, a bit more freedom to move into different positions. Maybe I'll touch the ball less but we'll get more chances, maybe I'll get more goals and assists myself as well.

"It's a good start against Portsmouth and we want to continue that."

Mowbray, 61, has outlined how he is focused on changing the mindset of the squad he inherited after a couple of years of intense tactical organisation from former boss Corberan, who departed for Valencia on Christmas Eve.

The new boss has stopped short of suggesting a culture shift, but said he wants his players to work more to get at opposition defences.

"Fans pay money to see us score goals and winning," added Mowatt. "That's what gets them going, so I think they will be buzzing with that win and hopefully we can continue."

Albion jumped back above Boro into fifth, a position they have become so familiar with in recent years, with the Portsmouth victory. They face basement boys Plymouth on Saturday.

"It feels like it has been a bit of a crazy season, ups and downs, we drew 10 (out of 11 games) or something," Mowatt said.

"Last season felt really good, we weren't getting beat and winning a lot, but we're in the same position as last season! It is a bit of a weird season but we're in the play-off spots and hopefully we can stay there."