Saturday's clash with high-flyers Norwich City was always going to be a tough one for West Bromwich Albion but was made tougher by a transfer blow in the build-up. 

On Friday, it was confirmed that star winger Harvey Barnes had returned to parent club Leicester City having impressed greatly during his spell at the Hawthorns.

The 21-year-old was directly involved in 16 goals during his 26 games under Darren Moore, scoring nine and assisting seven, but they had to move on and try to topple Daniel Farke's impressive Canaries without him.

They almost did as well. An early Dwight Gayle strike looked for a long time like it could earn them what would have been a huge three points.

But an 83rd-minute equaliser from substitute Jordan Rhodes meant the spoils were shared in a result that would probably have been more pleasing to Farke than Moore.

There was still plenty for the Baggies boss to ponder after the match, however.

Here are THREE things we clearly learnt about them after the clash...

Gayle holds the key 

Once again, Gayle earned points for West Brom and it was not for the first time this season.

When he is fit, the Newcastle loanee is the best striker in the league, showing a perfect blend of lethal striking instincts with a slick touch and devastating technique.

The Baggies are significantly weaker without him so if he can stay fit they have a great chance of winning promotion.

Holgate will flourish

He only moved to the club earlier in the week, but Mason Holgate shone at right-back for the Baggie

In an attacking sense, he was a constant threat down the right-hand side, coming close to scoring twice as well as whipping in a perfect cross for Gayle's goal.

Right-back has been a bit of a problem area for West Brom so it is definitely a gap plugged.

Barnes is not irreplaceable 

Barnes has undoubtedly been terrific for West Brom this season and was a constant threat.

But with three players playing at least two key passes each against the Canaries there is clearly potential for the likes of Hal Robson-Kanu and Bakary Sako to step up.

The loss of Barnes is a huge test of Moore's management, but Saturday was a promising start.