Sunderland's 'protect mode' malfunctioned against West Brom on a night when lessons must be learned

'It's a human thing, really, sometimes to try and protect what you've got.' That was how Tony Mowbray summed up the frustration of watching his Sunderland players go into 'protect mode' after taking the lead against West Brom.

But that's only half the story. 'Protect mode' is fine - so long as it works and the team successfully preserves its lead.

There would have been few complaints if Sunderland had won 1-0 at the Stadium of Light. However, when 'protect mode' malfunctions, the momentum of the game shifts, you fail to react, and you end up emptyhanded - that's another matter.