Five things we learned from West Brom 2 Manchester City 3

Two up top rejuvenates attackers

Salomon Rondon and Jay Rodriguez caused Manchester City a few problems when they were paired together, and both looked far more comfortable. Rondon has been isolated for too long, and Rodriguez is wasted on the touchline.

Putting them closer together gives Albion a chance in the final third and the majority of defences are so used to playing against a lone striker that two up top will pose questions of any back line. It’s no coincidence Rodriguez scored from a central area.

Good to have Gareth back – but Hegazi continues to impress

Gareth McAuley has only started two games this season, and both were against Manchester City. But he did much better on this occasion than in the League Cup, when Gabriel Jesus gave him a torrid time.

However, it was Ahmed Hegazi who impressed the most at the back, cutting out passes and striding forward with purpose. The Egyptian is calm on the ball, and can pick a pass too. He’s been a great buy so far. The only concern is his habit of getting drawn out to the ball too easily, but hopefully he’ll cut that particular trait out of his game.

It’s still not obvious what the big plan is

Pulis maintains that he’s still not been able to play the system he wants to, but it’s difficult to see why that is. James Morrison and Craig Dawson are the only players currently crocked, but Nacer Chadli could fill in for Morrison at No.10 and Allan Nyom can play right-back.

Oliver Burke is available now, and anyway, Pulis has enough options to deal with injuries now. As an excuse, it’s starting to ring hollow, and it suggests he’s actually not 100 per cent sure what the right system is yet.

Team still fighting for Tony

The high press, particularly in the first half, was well organised. and the midfield trio were triggered by either Rodriguez or Rondon making an initial movement.

Even though City played through them at times, on other occasions, they managed to steal possession, like when Gareth Barry robbed Fernandinho, setting up a chance for Rondon.

That determination suggests the team still believes in Pulis and his drills. Of course it helps that this time, the head coach got it right. But those rumours of him losing the dressing room are exaggerated.

Apathy rather than anger this time

The attendance just edged over 24,000, and the empty seats for a game against the most exciting team in Europe right now spoke volumes. And most of those had left before Matt Phillips scored his second.

Although there were a few chants in opposition to Pulis from the Smethwick End and a few boos at the final whistle, because of the superior opposition the mood was more apathetic than angry.

However, that will change this weekend at Huddersfield if the performance is inadequate.