Sam Allardyce cut a frustrated figure last weekend after his return to management saw his West Brom side swept aside by surprise packages Aston Villa at the Hawthorns.
The former Bolton boss must have feared that his new charges did not have what it takes to stay up after that chastening experience. After all, no side that has picked up fewer than eight points in their first 14 Premier League games in any season has survived (the Baggies had seven points after the loss to Villa).
But Sunday's surprise draw at Liverpool has breathed new life into their fight to beat the drop and also given fresh hope to Allardyce that he can preserve his proud record of never having overseen relegation as a manager.