James Morrison described himself as "delighted by the start" after West Bromwich Albion beat Burnley 3-1 at The Hawthorns, a result that gives the Baggies an encouraging early foothold in what promises to be a competitive Championship season.
A statement result at the Hawthorns
The margin of victory will have pleased Morrison and the West Brom faithful in equal measure. Burnley arrived as one of the second tier's more fancied sides, and a three-goal winning margin against that calibre of opponent carries genuine weight so early in the campaign. The Baggies boss was candid in his post-match reaction, broadcast on Radio WM, saying the performance reflected the mood around the club at the moment.
Morrison kept his assessment measured rather than euphoric, which feels right at this stage of a long season. "Delighted by the start" is a press-release kind of phrase, but the scoreline gives it some substance. Three goals at home against Burnley is not a fluke.
What it means for West Brom
West Brom have been through a turbulent period in recent years, and the fanbase will be watching closely to see whether this side can sustain early-season form over the full 46-game haul. The Championship is a division that punishes complacency, and Morrison will be well aware that one bright afternoon does not define a promotion challenge.
Still, confidence matters in the second tier, particularly at home. The Hawthorns has not always been the fortress a club of West Brom's size and budget might expect, and a convincing win in front of their own supporters will do no harm to the atmosphere around the place. Attendances at Championship clubs tend to respond to results, and a performance like this one should help fill seats in the weeks ahead.
Morrison, who stepped into management at The Hawthorns, has spoken previously about wanting the club to impose itself early in the season rather than spending the autumn clawing back points from a sluggish start. On the basis of this result, at least, that intention appears to be translating onto the pitch.
Burnley's afternoon to forget
For Burnley, a 3-1 defeat away from home represents a setback, though it is worth keeping perspective. The Clarets are among the more experienced squads in the division and will have suffered heavier reverses in previous campaigns without it derailing a season. How they respond in the coming fixtures will be a better indicator of their Championship credentials than this single result.
The Turf Moor club have made no secret of their ambitions since returning to the second tier, and their supporters will expect a swift reaction. Shipping three goals, however, raises questions about defensive organisation that the management will want to address sharply.
Early days, but the signs are positive
It is, of course, only August. The Championship table at this point in the season carries a certain amount of statistical noise: heavy scorelines flatter some teams and mislead others. West Brom will know that as well as anyone, having experienced both ends of that spectrum in recent campaigns.
What Morrison and the club will take from the afternoon, beyond the three points, is the sense that the squad can produce a complete performance against quality opposition. That is a foundation worth building on, even if the real test comes in November and February when tired legs and a congested fixture list begin to tell.
For now, The Hawthorns has reason to feel good about itself. Morrison's post-match tone suggested a manager who is keeping his feet on the ground, which, given the history of this club, is probably the sensible approach.
Frequently asked
- What was the score in the West Brom vs Burnley Championship match?
- West Brom beat Burnley 3-1 at The Hawthorns in their Championship fixture.
- What did West Brom manager James Morrison say after the win over Burnley?
- Morrison said he was "delighted by the start" after his side's 3-1 home victory against Burnley.
- How are West Brom performing in the Championship this season?
- West Brom made a positive start to their Championship campaign with a 3-1 win over Burnley at The Hawthorns, with manager James Morrison expressing encouragement about the team's early form.