An 11th point of the season was welcomed by Hull City after they again had to come from behind to avoid defeat on home soil. Michael Dawson's close-range finish cancelled out Gareth McAuley's first-half header and brought reward for stark improvements after the interval. Mike Phelan's side were utterly devoid of attacking threat in the first period but the introduction of Adama Diomande changed the flow of the game. A point apiece was just about right.
Positives
The shortcomings of this Hull City side do not need pointing out. They have the worst defensive record in the Premier League and none of their rivals have struggled as much in front of goal. What Phelan's men do have, though, is spirit. This was the third time in 10 games they have come from behind to avoid defeat and that's five points rescued from losing positions. Credit went to Diomande for turning the game around and also to Josh Tymon, who was described as "exceptional" by Phelan on his home debut aged 17.
Negatives
For the 11th consecutive league game, City found themselves conceding the first goal towards the end of a dreadful first half. Whether it is caution or trepidation, the Tigers are not starting games well enough and that provides mountains to climb. Only once in the last 12 games, in fact, have they scored a first-half goal. No-one emerged with much credit from the opening 45 minutes against the Baggies and least of all Ryan Mason. Phelan suggested the midfielder had been ill and his display was certainly off colour.
Manager rating out of 10
5 -- By his own admission, Mike Phelan got it wrong when sticking with the same XI that had lost 3-0 at Sunderland. At least he saw the error of his ways and the half-time introduction of Diomande swung the game open once more.
Player ratings
GK David Marshall, 6 -- Little hope of keeping out McAuley's firm header to open the scoring but the Scot certainly earned his corn when tipping Nacer Chadli's free kick wide in the closing stages. An exceptional stop.
DF Ahmed Elmohamady, 6 -- After a sorry showing in the defeat to Sunderland seven days earlier, this was a much more positive display. Went about his defensive duties well and pressed forward when possible.
DF Michael Dawson, 7 -- The Tigers were running out of ideas inside the final quarter of the game but had their captain to thank for a well-taken equaliser. Couple that up with a tidy defensive effort against Salomon Rondon.
DF Curtis Davies, 6 -- Guilty of allowing McAuley to break free from a set-piece to nod in the opener yet recovered pretty well against his former team. Limited the Baggies to only a few chances across the 90 minutes.
DF Josh Tymon, 7 -- A home debut for the defender that was born less than a mile from the KCOM Stadium and he let no one down. Played above his tender years and a sliding tackle on Craig Dawson was beautifully timed inside the box.
MF Robert Snodgrass, 6 -- Improved plenty after the break, like so many of his teammates. Twice denied from distance by Ben Foster before his deep, curling delivery helped cause the mayhem for Dawson to pounce.
MF Jake Livermore, 6 -- Typical of a sloppy start to the game when presenting West Brom with a gift-wrapped attack, before leading the revival afterwards. A crisp one-two with Markus Henriksen almost brought a sumptuous goal.
MF Sam Clucas, 6 -- Missed an inviting headed chance early in a second half that saw him run his blood to water. Off the pace in the first period and picked up a clumsy booking that rules him out of the EFL Cup tie against Newcastle.
MF Markus Henriksen, 5 -- Almost set up a fine goal for Livermore when advancing into the box but there is not enough attacking thought from a player signed on those apparent strengths. Needs to take chances and break the lines.
MF Ryan Mason, 4 -- Supporters were willing to give the club record signing time but patience is wearing thin. Phelan suggested this off day was down to a sickness bug but he was very poor before being replaced at the break.
FW Dieumerci Mbokani, 6 -- The stats suggested he only had two touches inside the West Brom box, including for Dawson's equaliser. That was down to the woeful lack of support at times and he worked hard for the team.
Substitutes
FW Adama Diomande, 7 -- The man that changed the game in City's favour, driving forward and injecting much-needed impetus into a flat display.
MF David Meyler, N/R -- No chance to make his mark on the game.
DF Andy Robertson, N/R -- A first appearance in six weeks after injury.