West Brom talking points v Watford: Lankshear impact, pressure and potential perfect timing

After a disastrous three game losing run, which included late defeats at Norwich and Bristol City, a place in the play-offs fell out of Albion's hands.

They went into the game against Watford behind the leading pack in the top six race, but answered questions with a 2-1 victory over the Hornets.

It could well have been more had they put chances away but it was a vital three points.

Jonny Drury looks at some of the talking points to come from the victory.

Could they handle the pressure?

Some said the pressure was off Albion with a gap opening up to the top six - but it absolutely wasn't. They were still in it but had to show up against Watford and deliver because if they didn't it could have been close to being all over.

Could they handle it? Yeah, they could. Although Watford had more of the ball you felt that Albion had more control, the better moments. Certainly in the second half they should have taken the game away from the visitors.

Chances mounted up and when that did happen, and they conceded later in the game, you felt it could be a repeat of Norwich or Bristol City.

But not only did they handle the pressure of the importance in the game, they were able to handle it at the death. Rather than crumbling late on, letting a lead slip and conceding late. They dug in, did the job and got over the line.

It may not be a big statement in the grand scheme of things, but it is for Albion in the context of what has happened lately.

Lankshear impact - deserved a goal

Will Lankshear was put in from the off after Tony Mowbray basically said he was going to do so on Friday.

And he didn't disappoint with his display.

Everything he has shown in his cameos he showed and more in his display from the start. He was strong, held the ball up so well, a real target man display.

But his link up, his running and his work rate were top drawer. He didn't look out of place.

The only thing it lacked was a goal, and it wasn't down to a lack of opportunities.

Lankshear had three big chances that he will be ruing on Saturday evening. It just didn't fall for him, and it would have been the icing on the cake of a top, top performance.

But it didn't happen. Goals will come and judging by that display, we will see more of the Spurs loanee.

To be honest we would have seen a lot more of him if Adam Armstrong hadn't come in on deadline day, but that is by the by now. Impressive stuff from the youngster.

A chance to hit it at the right time

Albion avoided a fourth straight defeat, the first time that would have happened outside the top flight since 1999.

The tide has been turned now and Albion need to make sure it doesn't turn back with four games to go.

They've stopped the rot, ended a bad run and now have a real chance to mount a run and a bit of momentum at just the right time.

With four left, if Albion carry this on and make it back to back wins for the first time since September, it gives them a great platform heading into the final two games.

And if they string an unbeaten run, a few wins and draws and get over the line, they are then taking top form into the play-offs.

How many times does that side getting in the back door with a good run go on to achieve success? 

The recent run may have been rocky and frustrating but it could have just turned at the right time.