West Brom secured their first away win since December on Tuesday night at Home Park in a 3-0 win. A superb second-half display ensured Albion returned to the West Midlands with all three points. The win ends a four-game winless run on the road, three of those being losses. It was a promising bounce back following a disappointing loss at home to highflying Southampton last Friday.
West Brom's next two games could prove pivotal come the end of the season as Carlos Corberan's men face Hull City away on Saturday before hosting Coventry Friday week. Hull and Coventry sit in 6th and 7th respectively, with West Borm holding onto fifth place. A Hull win on Saturday would leapfrog them past the Baggies, with around a quarter of the season left to go.
With the top four pretty much out of sight, the chasing pack is hunting down Albion in order to try and clinch one of the two remaining playoff spots. Even Middlesborough, in 13th, will fancy their chances, being only ten points off Hull, especially after beating leaders Leicester at the King Power last weekend.
One of West Brom's goalscorers midweek, Michael Johnston, whom they signed on loan from Celtic in January, could be a key man for Albion in the run-in. It was the Scots' second goal in five appearances in a blue and white shirt and his direct play has excited fans when he gets on the ball. He could prove to be a genius loan signing if he continues to impress and contribute with goals and assists.
In other news, West Brom announced the signing of free agent Yann M'Villa on Monday. The 33-year-old Frenchman has not played since last May and there have been questions surrounding his match fitness, particularly in a demanding league like the Championship. The defensive midfielder has played for Inter Milan, Sunderland, and most recently, Olympiacos. He also made 22 appearances for the French National Team between 2010-2012. He and his club will hope that he can make the desired impact on the pitch, and add some depth to a thin squad that has been hit by several key injuries.
Off the pitch, fans have been buoyed by the news that Shilen Patel is set to take over in due course, as the club looks to be on the up again. The difference in the mood of supporters has been noticeable, with lots of renewed anticipation and relief. Guochuan Lai is a hugely disliked figure in the Black Country and has never shown any real interest in the club he bought in 2016. The thought of new owners who actually care about the business of the club is a great spectacle for fans, who want to see their club competing to get back into the Premier League. Lai's huge lack of investment is a testament to Carlos Corberan and the work he has done with little availably of players. For his side to be fifth is a great achievement thus far, but he will want to cement the team in the playoff when May rolls around.