West Bromwich Albion ran out 2-0 victors against Stoke City in a top vs bottom clash at the Bet365 stadium last night. In a game which was dominated by the away side, the future is beginning to look ever more bleak for the managerless Potters.
Here we take a look at West Brom’s player ratings from the game:
SAM JOHNSTONE – 6
Had little to do in truth but when he did have simple saves and catches to make he did so with no fuss. Could have watched from the stands in the second half.
DARNELL FURLONG – 7
Had one shot which fizzed wide but always offered an outlet on the wing. Never troubled by Stoke’s attacking players.
SEMI AJAYI – 7
One of his easiest games this season. Never put under pressure by Vokes or Campbell, a good evening for the towering centre back.
KYLE BARTLEY – 7
Has had his critics in the past and many supporters believed Ahmed Hegazi would replace the former Swans man but not in this form. Made a couple of well timed tackles and his overall contribution was important.
CONOR TOWNSEND – 6
Replacing Ferguson was always going to be a difficult job but this was the perfect game for Townsend. Always relatively comfortable with and without the ball.
ROMAINE SAWYERS – 8
Ran the show in midfield. When your Championship rivals are singing your praises you know you’re doing something right. Once again his passing statistics were off the chart, already a contender for Player of the Season should he continue this form.
JAKE LIVERMORE – 7
Was involved in the build up to the first goal and once again was steely in midfield. Did pick up a fourth booking of the campaign and is now on the brink of suspension.
MATT PHILLIPS – 8
Slaven Bilic is well and truly getting the best out of the former QPR man. Is in the form of his career and scored the first goal as well as creating a number of other opportunities.
MATHEUS PEREIRA – 6
Not as influential as in recent weeks. The Brazilian’s quality is becoming increasingly noted by the opposition and he is being marshalled and singled out but this is something he will have to contend with as one of the best players in the division.
GRADY DIANGANA – 9
Every West Brom fan will be hoping the dreaded call from West Ham in January doesn’t come. Anything good that Albion did he was the architect of. Created the first goal and won the penalty for the second. Another eye-catching performance.
CHARLIE AUSTIN – 6
You can never fault his work rate or endeavour but the goals just aren’t coming for Austin. Bilic clearly believes in the striker but surely Zohore’s chance to start is only around the corner.
SUBS:
HAL ROBSON-KANU – 8
If only the striker could have the same impact from the start as he does from the bench he would be some player. Dispatched the penalty with ease and saw his header hit the post. Perfect substitute performance.
FILIP KROVINOVIC – 7
Was involved in the build up to the penalty and played some good passes to get Albion forward.
