West Bromwich Albion recorded another impressive victory over Swansea City at the Hawthorns as they claimed a 5-1 victory over the play-off hopefuls.
It was another statement sent out to the rest of the Championship with Slaven Bilic’s side looking imperious against the Welsh side with a number of high quality performances.
Here we take a look at the player ratings from Sunday’s game:
SAM JOHNSTONE – 7
Didn’t have much to do during the game although he did pull off a good save to deny Surridge. In difficult conditions, he looked comfortable and there was nothing he really could have done about the goal.
KIERAN GIBBS – 7
Another good performance from the former Arsenal man. Provided plenty of width and quality in wide areas, laid on the goal for Pereira with a fine cross. His frustration was clearly visible as he appeared to pick up a hamstring injury.
KYLE BARTLEY – 7
Could have had a goal when he headed straight at the Swansea keeper. Looked defensively sound once again and also had a role to play in his defensive partner’s goal. Picked up a nasty looking cut on his face and had to be replaced.
SEMI AJAYI – 8
Once again looks an absolute snip at less than £2million from Rotherham United. Scored a goal with a good header and kept the visitors quiet during the second half. One of his easier games.
NATHAN FERGUSON – 8
Continues to play beyond his years. Dealt well with the lively Nathan Dyer and even though he had to switch flanks following Gibbs’ departure he coped seamlessly and was solid.
ROMAINE SAWYERS – 8
Makes passing the ball look easy. Always uses the ball intelligently and has an eye for a pass. He compliments Jake Livermore extremely well and makes the Baggies tick in midfield.
JAKE LIVERMORE – 9
A real captain’s performance. Has reinvented himself this season and proven to be one of the first names on the teamsheet. Covers every inch of grass and never stops working. Real leader.
GRADY DIANGANA – 8
What West Brom would do to be able to sign Diangana permanently from West Ham United. Offers real quality out wide with his dazzling runs. One sublime piece of skill which really shouldn’t be allowed on a football pitch.
MATT PHILLIPS – 8
Worked tirelessly and got his rewards with a lovely diving header from a beautiful cross from Pereira. Never stops running and taking on defenders. Set piece deliveries were also better than in recent weeks.
MATHEUS PEREIRA – 10
If it was possible to award him 20 it wouldn’t be enough. Simply sensational from the Brazilian. Scored a goal and provided four assists in a game in which he shone head and shoulders above everyone else on the pitch. Best player in the Championship without a doubt.
HAL ROBSON-KANU – 9
Superb from the striker as he held the ball up well whilst also netting himself another goal. He is linking up with his teammates better with each game that passes and was the ideal focal point for Albion.
SUBS:
DARNELL FURLONG – 6
Could find himself in the team for a few weeks now with the injury to Kieran Gibbs. Offers something different to Ferguson on the right hand side and wasn’t really tested defensively by the Swans.
AHMED HEGAZI – 6
Came on for Kyle Bartley who needed treatment for a nasty looking cut. Pretty solid on the whole but clearly needs more game time as he looks to get back up to full throttle at this level.
KYLE EDWARDS – 7
Replaced the tiring Diangana and Edwards was really lively once again here. Following his winning of the penalty against Preston North End he scored a lovely goal here and is beginning to make a real impact from the bench.
