It perhaps provided Garry Monk’s men with a marker for where they need to be this season, but who stood out in a disappointing return to action?
Let’s take a look at the player ratings from the owls trip to the Hawthorns.
1. Kieren Westwood - 5
Any question marks over the first goal are a unfair, and he looked assured throughout until the winner, into which the inquest will continue. Despite periods of Baggies domination he had little to do in the way of saves. Photo: Stu Forster
2. Liam Palmer - 4
It was his failure to clear late on that cost the Owls dear for the penalty, leaving keeper Westwood too much to do with Pereira onrushing. Bright going forward at times and really wasteful at others. Frustration boiled over in the final minutes and was given a deserved red card. Photo: Steve Ellis
3. Domini Iorfa - 6
Strong in the air, quick across the ground, Iorfa was the better of the two centre-halves. His physical presence is a big plus for the Owls but he switched off for the Baggies' winner. Photo: Steve Ellis
4. Julian Borner - 5
In a match of tight margins Borner lost concentration at the vital moment and allowed Hal Robson-Kanu to open the scoring. Was assured enough from that point on and made a couple of important headers, but moments make matches. Photo: Steve Ellis