Express & Star

Swansea 1 West Brom 0 - Player ratings

Albion were beaten 1-0 at lowly Swansea yesterday as Alan Pardew's reign struggles to get going. Here, we rate the Baggies players.

Published
Hal Robson-Kanu. (AMA)

Ben Foster

Saved sharply from Jordan Ayew at the near post and collected crosses well. Nothing he could have done about the goal, which was roofed from six yards out. 6/10

Allan Nyom

Looks suspect at full-back without a winger to protect him. Was one of the players who (in Pardew’s words) ‘overcompensated’ at the back stick for the goal. 4/10

Jonny Evans

Won several important headers but Bony drifted past him too easily in the build-up to a long-range shot that whistled past the post, and he was beaten to the ball by Abraham in injury time. Pardew was pleased with his performance. 5/10

Ahmed Hegazi

Put in a functional, if not eye-catching performance. Only memorable contribution was a 35-yard shot that went wide. Pardew praised him after. 5/10

Kieran Gibbs

Reliable in possession, but Albion struggled to get him on the ball in advanced areas. Nathan Dyer was dangerous in the first half though. 6/10

Hal Robson-Kanu

Misplaced passes and lost possession too much. Wasted Albion’s best opportunity of the game when he overhit a cross during an overload. He’s not a right winger, mind. 4/10

Claudio Yacob

Brought in to replace the injured Gareth Barry, but struggled to make an impact. His passing has improved, but he only made one tackle during the game, which is unlike him. 5/10

Jake Livermore - Albion man of the match

The England international relished the responsibility of being in a two-man central midfield, and seemed to be all over the pitch. It wasn't a flawless performance – there was one particular misplaced pass that made you wince – but he was the best of a bad bunch. Never stopped off the ball and used it sensibly when on it. 6/10

Sam Field

Struggled on the left wing and was hooked off at half-time. Not his position. Deserves a chance in the centre, but might not get it. 5/10

Jay Rodriguez

He’s still trying but it’s getting increasingly painful to watch. Had the only shot on target, a tame effort. Ran 60 yards with the ball before another shot was blocked. But he won’t reach double figures at this rate. By the end, he looked dejected. 5/10

Salomon Rondon

Rarely threatened the goal. Worked hard, but lacked quality, like the rest of the team. 5/10

Substitutes

James McClean (Field 45)

Added some much-needed energy to a lifeless Albion and put a cross on Rondon's head. 6/10

Oliver Burke (Robson-Kanu 78)

Yet to prove why the club spent £15m. 5/10

Chris Brunt (Rodriguez 82)

Good to have him back but he misplaced a pass and did little else. 4/10