Lewis Cox analysis: Buckle up for rollercoaster of a season at Hawthorns

But there is no doubt that results at this unusual stage of the season can be a platform for the campaign ahead – and Albion have now lost just once from four, with two wins, leaving them seventh. It goes without saying it is rosier than winless Middlesbrough down in 22nd.

Corberan’s phenomenal record at home since taking over last October appears to be rolling on.

Saturday’s thrilling yet unnecessarily nail-biting 4-2 success over Boro is a 13th win from 18 home games in all competitions, that includes three draws and just two defeats – one loss coming in his very first game against Sheffield United after just two days of training.

It really is fortress territory. Albion at The Hawthorns should always be a fortress in the Championship but that hasn’t always been the case in recent years. It very much is now.

Though two wins from two in the Black Country in this fledgling season have come with 3-2 and 4-2 scorelines. No shortage of entertainment value for the biggest number of season-ticket sales in 15 years.

There is an element of concern, no doubt, to go with the optimism. Five games in all competitions and a first clean sheet of the campaign hasn’t appeared close. That has to change, it is clear Albion will struggle to get near their top-seven aspirations conceding goals at this rate.

But, at odds to last season, the goals are going in at a rapid rate and that bodes well at this stage. That is something Baggies will be getting used to. Corberan’s style is risk-reward and players will make errors.

There were stylish goals, too, against 10-men Boro. They were spread around the squad, which is also key. There were nowhere near enough goals between players last term.

Cedric Kipre’s beautiful effort showed he is a centre-half not lacking in technique and ability. John Swift’s rocket after a powerful drive showed what he is capable of and needs to produce more. Brandon Thomas-Asante showed an awareness and calmness to take a chance for a third goal already this season after an error. Jeremy Sarmiento’s first professional goal showed a wonderful X-Factor that has Baggies so excited about the Brighton loanee.

And together they all provide further confidence for the season.

Central defender Kipre, especially, may quietly become a key man this season. He has responded excellently from that opening-day error at Blackburn and has really looked the part that-aside.

He is comfortable and happy to play with the ball, something the head coach wants. Not all centre-backs at this level are. The Ivorian is capable of doing it, too, and there doesn’t need to be a sharp intake of breath or panic when he does so.

The main talking point, however, was Corberan’s concise post-match press conference warning about the final week of the transfer window ahead.

“I think our future in the competition depends a lot on this week.” The final line from Corberan’s media duty was very deliberate and left no second-guessing how important he feels about the few days ahead before Friday’s 11pm deadline.

Corberan has been smart here. He, above everyone else, has been patient this summer. He went into his summer holiday and the window with his eyes wide open to Albion’s precarious financial position and a lack of signing options.

He – and Baggies fans – had to be patient and wait for the two signings so far in Jeremy Sarmiento and Josh Maja. Albion, of the 72 Football League clubs, have made the fewest signings of anyone.

But Corberan has hinted patience could be a virtue after being unable to move on earlier deals.

It is essential that is the case. Taylor Gardner-Hickman’s loan to Bristol City also allowed some room to manoeuvre financially.

The head coach wants a full-back or wing-back options almost certainly to challenge Darnell Furlong, with a lack of other options. He also wants another attacker, be it able to compete wide or centrally and compete with Swift.

His comment places an element of pressure on the board. He has been able to make a statement like that with Albion’s decent start.

There is a semblance of optimism that the club can achieve something in the Championship under the Spaniard but he has publicly revealed for that to happen he needs these two signings. And, as ever this summer when it comes to the window, moving on one or two options, Grady Diangana, Josh Griffiths, Alex Mowatt, Nathaniel Chalobah or Kyle Bartley, could really help.

A final word for some pre-game news, the club’s new back of shirt sponsor confirmed as Malta-based gambling firm ‘Mr Vegas’. Described as a “new and exciting brand”, the news drew a backlash from disappointed fans.

Football should be doing its all to move away from relations with gambling companies. Albion, clearly, need all the backing and income they can get – but surely there is a better way to go about achieving this regards sponsors.

The home shirt, a wonderful design and ode to the Jeff Astle Foundation, deserves something much more than this.