West Bromwich Albion fought out a 1-0 victory over Middlesbrough at the Riverside on Saturday with some impressive performances from those in blue and white.
Here we rate the West Brom players from the game:
SAM JOHNSTONE – 9
Simply sensational performance from the Albion stopper. Made numerous saves to keep Boro at bay and was the main reason for West Brom keeping their second clean sheet of the season.
DARNELL FURLONG – 7
Wasn’t able to be as attacking as he usually would like due to Pereira taking up his place on the wing and Furlong being cautious of his defensive duties. A steady display and a game in which he grew in to.
SEMI AJAYI – 8
Becoming more and more impressive with every game he plays. An absolute colossus at the back and considering his price tag has been one of the bargains of the summer. Displays every quality you need in a centre back.
KYLE BARTLEY – 8
Knows his place is under threat from the returning Ahmed Hegazi but more performances like this will keep the Egyptian on the substitutes bench. Strong in the air against the physical Assombalonga, Bartley is proving to be a tough player to leave out.
NATHAN FERGUSON – 7
Assured and accomplished from the youngster. He kept Boro full-back Tavernier quiet and despite a few misplaced passes he grew into the game and performed well.
JAKE LIVERMORE – 8
A real captain’s display from Livermore who has been a real physical presence in midfield this season. Leads from the front and offers great protection to the back four as well as looking to play forward passes. Had a couple of shots blocked.
ROMAINE SAWYERS – 8
Calm and composed in possession as usual from the ice-cool Sawyers. His pass completion rate is the highest in the league from players who have played more than 500 passes which is remarkable for someone so clever in his passing.
GRADY DIANGANA – 9
The Baggies will be desperate for West Ham to not recall him from his loan spell at the Hawthorns in January. On this evidence he is going to be hugely important this season. A constant menace out wide with his pace and trickery and played a key role in the winning goal.
MATHEUS PEREIRA – 7
Not as influential as in recent weeks due to him being played out wide rather than in his favoured number ten role. Due to the injury to Phillips, Pereira was shunted to the wing. Still showed glimpses of his magic with clever touches of the ball but more of a threat when played centrally.
FILIP KROVINOVIC – 6
The Croatian did well enough but he simply isn’t as good as Pereira in this role. Had a shot blocked and he was neat and tidy in possession.
CHARLIE AUSTIN – 7
Worked extremely hard and pressed the Boro defence. Always looking to seize on loose balls and push forward. Didn’t really have a chance on goal which he probably deserved.
SUBS:
HAL ROBSON-KANU – 7
A player who seems more accustomed to coming off the bench than starting games. Made an impact against Fulham and QPR and scored the winning goal here. He’ll never be a clinical striker but there is no doubt he offers something to this Albion team.
KYLE EDWARDS – 7
May count himself a little unlucky to not have started in place of Phillips but he didn’t let this stop him from showing what he can do once he was introduced. Marauding runs forward and had his shot blocked in the build up to the goal.
AHMED HEGAZI
Introduced for the final few minutes and picked up a yellow card. Baggies fans will be delighted to have him back.
