I think if you asked a large section of Blackburn supporters what would represent a good return from three games in a week post the international break, six points would probably have been viewed as more than acceptable.

It could have been more and, equally, it could have been less.

The home victory over Cardiff provided the perfect platform for two away trips. Three more points followed at Bristol City, thanks largely to a goalkeeping masterclass from Balazs Toth and, after just 12 minutes at The Hawthorns on Saturday, everything seemed to be falling into place very nicely.

Andri Gudjohnsen is fit, firing and full of confidence, and long may it continue. His switch to the number nine shirt during the summer only adds to the appeal for those who appreciate a traditional centre-forward.

Both his finishes brough back memories of Alan Shearer - the first a stunning strike from outside the penalty area and the second highlighted the kind of instincts that goalscorers thrive on. West Brom failed to clear a corner and, as the ball dropped, there was only one player you wanted it to fall to.

Only seven teams have scored more league goals than Rovers so far, while just nine have conceded more. The 16 goals conceded in 11 games have undoubtedly slowed their progress, particularly where they have been unable to protect a lead.

They have led away at Wolves and Portsmouth but ultimately had to settle for a point. They have also been in front against Sheffield United, QPR and, now, West Brom but lost all three.

The goals conceded against Wolves, Sheffield United, Portsmouth, Cardiff and West Brom all shared a similar theme. The opposition were allowed too much time and space in central areas, either just inside or outside the penalty area, and they made Rovers pay.

In fairness, West Brom deserved their victory. They responded impressively after falling two goals behind but this is far from a disaster.

Rovers have made a bright start to the season and there is plenty to be encouraged by. The disappointment comes from the fact that 13 points have slipped away from those winning positions.

We have seen both a back four and a back five used so far, although Tony Mowbray's preferred system is definitely a four. In the next fortnight, left-back Yuri Ribeiro and centre-back Scott Wharton are expected to push for starting places, increasing competition across the defensive unit.

Mowbray has never been afraid to make difficult selection decisions and leave good players out. It is one of the realities of managing a competitive squad. Time will tell who he feels is best placed to make those starting spots their own.

The ankle injury to Ryoya Morishita added further disappointment to the late defeat. His ever-present record looks likely to come to an end against Wrexham on Saturday.

Should he be unavailable, it would mean five senior players are currently sidelined which, compared with recent seasons, still represents a relatively healthy position.