Martin Odegaard made a successful second debut, Aaron Ramsdale kept a clean sheet and Bukayo Saka seemed to resettle into the same groove that illuminated Euro 2020 this summer.
Although the Baggies were relegated from the top flight last season, they have started the Championship on fire, currently sitting in second place, and have impressed with their brand of football.
The fact that the Baggies have only kept one clean sheet this season will be slightly concerning though.
But this year — without Europe — things are different.
The forward, who Arsenal have made no secret about wishing to sell this summer, might just have helped that cause, too, driving home a low shot at the near post after yet more fine running on the right wing from Pepe.
Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang, Alexandre Lacazette, Dani Ceballos and Ainsley Maitland-Niles all looked great with leggings, and they were probably warmer than everyone else on the pitch.