Lewis Cox analysis: Carlos Corberan and West Brom have problems to solve

Carlos Corberan and his staff have big problems to resolve should they hope a growing feeling of unease and discontent does not fester.

I have written before that this sequence of regulars draws is peculiar. It has been difficult to weigh up whether Albion, clearly still hard to beat, can take hope from not losing games or be concerned by a lack of wins.

That balance has veered towards the latter now. Saturday's 1-1 draw at lowly Preston was not a good result for the visitors in any way, shape or form.

The squad stayed in Manchester for their scheduled Christmas party over the weekend. I daresay it was not as happy a shindig as had been hoped.

Albion earned deserved credit from most for digging in amid a lack of defensive options at high-flying Sunderland last Tuesday.

At Preston, though, a big travelling faithful let their frustration be known towards the head coach in the closing stages. Firstly when top scorer Josh Maja departed for John Swift with six minutes left and then at the sound of Thomas Bramall's full-time whistle.

It is the first time in this period of just one win in 12 games - and nine draws - and also the first time in Corberan's two-and-a-bit-year tenure supporters have let their negative feelings known to that level.

It does not justify a knee-jerk reaction nor does it need to be played up as a hugely significant moment. Albion fans were right to boo that second half, it was not good enough. Supporters see their 10-goal top scorer and main source of goals trudge off while their side is toiling away with little hope of a goal or rare win and they are going to be riled.