Ryan Mason’s reign as West Bromwich Albion boss began with a win to kickstart their 2025/26 Championship campaign.
The Baggies triumphed over Valérien Ismaël’s Blackburn Rovers with a 1–0 victory in front of a nearly sold-out Hawthorns.
Isaac Price swept home from close range after 15 minutes in what proved to be the decisive moment of the match, although Albion could have added further to their advantage.
The home fans were forced to hold their nerve after Darnell Furlong’s late dismissal, but the Albion backline remained resolute.
So, what did we learn from Mason’s managerial debut, and what can we expect this season to hold for West Bromwich Albion?
Commitment To Throwing Men Forward And Defensive Solidity
It was clear to see that Ryan Mason had given his players permission to race forward and commit numbers in attacking phases, but also the responsibility to remain wary and compact when out of possession.
Yesterday, West Brom managed 13 shots in total, five of which were on target — compared to eight shots in total, and just one on target, in the first home game of last season under Carlos Corberán.
The number of touches in the opposition box (17) was also an increase from the opener at The Hawthorns last season (13).
Despite having a new manager at the helm, West Brom did not abandon their ever-present threat from set pieces.
Blackburn boss Valérien Ismaël — who managed WBA for a 31-game spell during the 2021/22 season — suffered from the same weapon he had once relied upon, as Darnell Furlong’s colossal long throw caused chaos in the box and eventually led to Isaac Price stroking home the winner.
Striker Aune Heggebø and midfielder Price acted as the press triggers, as West Bromwich Albion identified a weakness in the form of Blackburn goalkeeper Balázs Tóth’s poor distribution. This almost resulted in a second goal for the 21-year-old Price, if not for a heroic last-ditch block by defender Sean McLoughlin.
A flowing move involving Heggebø and star boy Tom Fellows forced Tóth into another strong save, on a day when the Baggies could have — and perhaps should have — scored more.
However, despite the attacking intent, the home side also showed defensive grit in a display reminiscent of the Carlos Corberán era — one the Spaniard would be proud of.
Rovers bombarded Josh Griffiths’ box with high, long balls late on, as the ten men of West Brom defended with their lives to preserve their first clean sheet of the season.
The performance showed how Mason’s team is able to adapt depending on the situation at hand, and it suggests West Bromwich Albion have the resilience to navigate the lengthy and demanding Championship campaign ahead.
Nat Phillips Has Found His Home At West Bromwich Albion
Nat Phillips had endured a career of countless loans across the football world before permanently moving to West Bromwich Albion this summer.
The 28-year-old appears to have settled in remarkably well in the West Midlands, producing a Player of the Match performance on his debut in the blue-and-white stripes.
The Bolton-born defender was a stalwart at the back, recording a match-high ten headed clearances, making two tackles, winning 11 duels, and making two interceptions.
The former Liverpool player showed great leadership qualities throughout the battle against Blackburn and seems to have forged an instant connection with the West Bromwich Albion fanbase.
With uncertainty surrounding fellow centre-back Torbjorn Heggem’s future at the club, head coach Ryan Mason may have to rely heavily on Phillips over the course of the season.
Isaac Price Holds The Key To Success In WBA’s Season
Young midfielder Isaac Price scored what proved to be the decisive goal on Saturday, showing why he could be key to West Brom’s success this campaign.
The 21-year-old was in the right place at the right time to coolly slot home and open his account for the 2025/26 season. He has already matched his goal tally from last year, though it’s worth noting that he only joined in the January transfer window.
The Northern Ireland international displayed great tenacity and work rate, pressing from the front and grabbing the game by the scruff of the neck. What stands out is his exceptional athleticism, combined with quality on the ball, allowing him to race away from opponents before delivering a killer pass or a decisive effort on goal.
Price was deployed in various positions last season — even once at right-back — but he should now look to make the number ten role his own, a position West Bromwich Albion have been trying to fill since the departure of Matheus Pereira in 2021.
There is still room for improvement in his game; the youngster was unable to convert a one-on-one chance in the second half that would have doubled his side’s lead.
However, the former Everton academy player has already shown why he could be such an important figure for Ryan Mason and West Bromwich Albion this season.
