Tony Pulis reckons Albion were destined to draw with Middlesborough after the Baggies' 1-1 draw on Wearside.
Albion opened the scoring in the 6th minute when James Morrison marked his return to the Riverside with a rocket that flew past Victor Valdes.
The Baggies were pegged back when Gareth McAuley was judged to have fouled Alvaro Negredo in the penalty area and the forward slotted home the spot kick.
But it was the visitors who looked more likely to take the lead again with Chris Brunt, Craig Dawson and Hal Robson-Kanu all coming close. Matt Phillips and Salomon Rondon also hit opposite posts in the same move.
"The penalty changed the course of the first half," said Pulis.
"We were comfortable and had chances to get a second.
"I don't think it is a penalty. Negredo is a big lad and puts himself about. He drops his body in the way of Gareth McAuley. The ref has to be 110% certain to give it. It knocked us. Boro came into it.
"Second half we create enough chances to win the game. It wasn't going to be our night."