The focus will fall on Alan Pardew and his departure is inevitable. A single win in 15 Premier League games and a place eight points from safety tends to lead to one conclusion.
But the improved performance in West Bromwich Albion’s latest loss at Vicarage Road bought Pardew some credit and, after reviewing his position again on Saturday, the club’s board decided to retain his services for Saturday’s visit of Leicester.
A paucity of credible alternatives to take charge in the current predicament is a factor and should the Hawthorns crowd turn on Pardew in another defeat, West Brom’s hierarchy will have a further round of discussions.