Blackburn Rovers' transfer need highlighted by defeat

In a typically tight Championship affair, Valerien Ismael's side were edged out by an early goal from Isaac Price. Rovers didn't deal with a long throw into the box and the midfielder was on hand to score what proved to be the decisive goal.

Rovers had plenty of possession and territory, particularly in the second half, but were unable to create enough meaningful opportunities. They left the Hawthorns empty-handed despite a close, low-margin affair.

Here are The Lancashire Telegraph's key takeaways from the opening day.

READ MORE: Valerien Ismael drops hint about Blackburn Rovers transfer exit

Soft goal proves costly

Rovers' first concession of the season was a soft one that will frustrate their head coach and the players.

There were a lot of similarities to a goal they conceded on the same ground, to the same Darnell Furlong long throw. Leopold Wahlstedt and the defence were at fault for the first of four goals that set the tone in a 4-1 defeat 18 months ago in the final knockings of Jon Dahl Tomasson's reign.

Furlong's missiles had already caused a bit of panic earlier in the game and the ball was allowed to drop in the penalty area without being cleared. From then, it was a big scramble and Aune Heggebo had the presence of mind to set up Price for an easy finish.

Ismael hinted that there could've been a foul given for the tussling between the big striker and Ryan Alebiosu. I don't think there was anything in it, personally.

LISTEN: WBA 1-0 ROVERS INSTANT MATCH REACTION

One new signing impresses but others need time to settle

Ismael threw four new signings into the starting XI with the other two brought on from the bench. Of those that began the game, Alebiosu was the best performer.

Sean McLoughlin deserves credit too; he was solid. The Irishman made a vital block challenge on Price after an error from Balazs Toth, which would've given West Brom a two-goal lead.

Alebiosu was the brightest, though and carried a considerable threat from right-back. He has pace to burn and used his energy to get to the byline on a few occasions.

Defensively, I was impressed too. He handled a few one-on-one situations with good composure, proving he is capable of going both ways.

Understandably, he cramped up as the second half continued and was withdrawn on the hour. I was encouraged by what I saw, though.

It was a little bit too much too soon for Axel Henriksson, who'd only trained a couple of times with his team-mates. With Todd Cantwell out, he was thrown in and the game passed him by.

He will need time to adapt to the physicality and intensity of the Championship. It was by no means a bad performance, just not noteworthy.

Similar for Dion De Neve, who took a whack to the face and was substituted at half-time. There was plenty of endeavour and willing running but a lack of creativity or bravery on the ball.

"It's a big transition, new faces coming, new faces in the starting XI," Ismale admitted.

"Now we have to deal with the situation. The new players need to come in and adapt to the way we want to play. We need time to bring players to the same level.

"Axel, you see today, it was difficult for him, but that's normal, he only trained once with us. Now it's just back to work, back to work on our principles."

Lack of cutting edge obvious

Rovers were more than competitive at the Hawthorns. They were on the back foot for the first 30 minutes, conceded a soft goal and had Toth to thank for a few smart saves.

After that, they had far more control. They had plenty of possession and territory but simply didn't do enough with the ball. That was a familiar problem at the start of Ismael reign as well.

They missed Cantwell's bravery on the ball. I felt the wingers played very safe in possession during the first half, recycling the ball backwards and sidwards. They were not direct enough until Augustus Kargbo came on.

He is far from the finished article but he commits players by running at them. He got two West Brom players booked inside four minutes of his arrival because pace scares defenders.

Ismael agreed that his side lacked cutting edge and didn't work Josh Griffiths anywhere near enough.

"We took the wrong decision. Instead of shooting, we pass," he explained.

"Instead of crossing, we want to play a perfect ball. At some point, we just need to make sure that we show more desire to score. It was missing today.

"We were dangerous. We came in the area we wanted to be in to be dangerous but the end product was not there. When I came last season, it was exactly the same problem we had.

"At the end, we solved it. Now it's back to work to try and make that progress again."

Championship games are often won and lost by fine margins. Rovers didn't do enough to ensure they fell on the right side of those and might need more assistance in the transfer market to do so consistently.

More ins and outs to come

We know that Rovers want to add a right-winger and their lack of depth out wide was highlighted at West Brom. However, the head coach's post-match comments suggested there could be more activity in and out.

Ismael certainly left those in the room with the impression Rovers might have to replace a player. Someone that, ideally, they would not like to lose. Whilst he might not have said 'key player' in as many words, there was plenty of room to read between the lines.

They remain vulnerable, as they were with Callum Brittain, and Ismael has made no false promises that the club will retain those in their final 12 months. Speculation has been rife about several players, including growing social media rumours around their captain this week.

Whilst his presence, and others', on Saturday showed a level of commitment, Ismael would not be making those sorts of comments if the club had complete clarity on how the window will end.

It will be an interesting three weeks, whatever transpires.