West Brom debrief: Hunger and desire in spades, right-sided raids and Price proves point

Here are some of the talking points from the Tigers mauling in the latest debrief.

Relentless hunger

Former boss Ryan Mason used to pledge his belief in Albion's energy and running stats, but here the eye test showed us a side running harder than they have for some time.

That was more eye-catching given it was the third game in eight days and came less than 72 hours after the late heartache against Southampton. Morrison admitted he was "apprehensive" of his squad's levels ahead of the clash.

But right from the first whistle it was clear every Albion player knew what was at stake.

Hull, with a fine away record, were blown away. Without the ball the Baggies swarmed and smothered as they hunted in packs. Sergej Jakirovic's visitors - who had an extra 24 hours' preparation - could not cope and the boss admitted as much afterwards.

With the ball, 26 shots at goal was the joint-most Albion have managed all season. Eight on target represented decent accuracy. For once, Albion were clinical.

Right-sided raids

Leading the way was undoubtedly the Baggies' right flank of loan right-back Danny Imray and captain Jed Wallace.

Both set the tone with Hull's Liam Millar and replacement Cody Drameh unable to live with the relentless attacks down that side.

Imray has previously displayed an attacking capability but his defensive frailties have been apparent. Here the 22-year-old showed power and poise with the ball. His touch was clean, his delivery was on point. He deserved a late assist for Isaac Price.

Wallace gave a captain's performance, as he has by and large since an injury return in January. This was up with his best as the winger, 32 next week, rolled back the years with an electric display. He does not have the speed he used to, but makes up for it with energy and commitment.

He jumped on goalkeeper Ivo Pandur's error to lay on Josh Maja's opener to settle Albion.

Left-back Callum Styles is so often Albion's threat from a deep position out wide, to have both flanks on board is a big boost.

Price proves point

Attacker Price has taken no shortage of flak during this disastrous campaign, but he fired back here.

The Northern Ireland international, 22, often takes criticism for perceived poor body language, but he seldom shirks his running responsibility. Price's pressing is a big weapon of Albion's. It has not paid off for a lot of this season but did here.

He deserved that late third goal and it was a cool finish for just a second goal since October. Despite that, a tally of seven is not to be sniffed at, but should be so much greater. There was real meaning in his celebration.

Price may, for whatever reason, not be every fan's cup of tea - he is not alone - but he has the touch and energy that set him apart from most of this squad.

On the subject of attackers, he was joined by strike duo Aune Heggebo and Josh Maja on the scoresheet as Morrison's retro 4-4-2 formation delivered again.

For Norwegian top scorer Heggebo it was a 10th goal of the season in all competitions as he finally ended a 17-game drought with a smart finish. For Maja his opener and entire performance was a glimpse back some 15 months to the player who tore up the Championship in the first half of 2024/25.

Modest Mozza

Head coach Morrison politely declined the request of a wave from the Smethwick End in the first half with the scoreline at 1-0.

He knew there was a job to be done and did not want to come across disrespectful to Hull.

At 2-0 late in the contest he satisfied the locals with a quick acknowledgement.

More striking was his subtle but meaningful clenched fist to the fans at full-time. Morrison, so humble and reserved in how he carries himself, knew the win was critical. He knew players and fans were united in the fight.