Baggies causing a stir in top flight

The Ireland forward’s tireless running and aerial ability has been key to West Brom’s approach. Clarke has been intriguing on his use of forwards, essentially using either Long or Romelu Lukaku (on loan from Chelsea) to exhaust an opponent for 60-70 minutes -- then throwing on the other to go for the kill. Most players still see playing from the bench as an inferior role.

Edin Dzeko’s recent moans about being perceived as “a super-sub” are typical – but Clarke almost makes it sound as though the role of impact sub is the glamour one, coming on to pick up the glory after a teammate has done the hard work. It’s not a revolutionary idea but it is an example of the sort of thinking that can give a club an edge.

Clarke insists on discipline and organization and, at the moment, has allied that to a freshness that is bringing results. The real test now is how long West Brom can sustain their form.