West Brom 2 Brighton 0 - Player ratings

BEN FOSTER

His fifth clean sheet in the last 10 games, and even though he was hardly peppered, he commanded his area with confidence and claimed a couple of important crosses at crucial times. 7/10

CRAIG DAWSON

The full-back was defensively sound, with one flying block to deny Lewis Dunk particularly memorable. He also threatened going forward with foraging runs beyond Matt Phillips. Came close to scoring twice before finding the net with a header. And he didn’t want to leave the pitch after a nasty clash of heads with Hegazi. 9/10

JONNY EVANS

That’s why Arsenal and Manchester City are keen on him. Snuck round the back to score early on and was classy both in and out of possession throughout. A clenched fist after his goal shows how much it matters to him. 8/10

AHMED HEGAZI

The towering Egyptian is reading the game better and better these days. He knows exactly when to step out and steal the ball and set Albion off on their own attacks. Brilliant, again. 8/10

KIERAN GIBBS

He’s finally seen out a victory in blue and white stripes, and kept Antony Knockaert – last season’s Championship player of the year – quiet. 7/10

MATT PHILLIPS

He and Dawson had fun down the right-hand side, particularly in the first half, and it was his corner that led to Evans’s goal. Albion look more dangerous with him on the pitch. 7/10

GARETH BARRY

A masterclass in central midfield from the man who has played the most games in the Premier League. Completely in control. 8/10

GRZEGORZ KRCYHOWIAK

One of the Pole’s best performances this season. Brushed off a jittery start to grow into the game and cemented his place in Pardew’s line-up. 7/10

CHRIS BRUNT

He now has 20 assists in the Premier League since the 2014/15 season, more than Eden Hazard over the same period of time. Enough said. 7/10

SALOMON RONDON

Pardew described it as one of the best frontline performances he’d ever seen, and his first touch certainly oozed confidence. Looks better with players around him, but he might have had a goal near the end. 7/10

JAY RODRIGUEZ

Flicked on the corner for Evans’s opener and made run after endless run to open up space. 7/10

Substitutes

Jake Livermore (Rodriguez 78)

Helped see the game out. 6/10

Allan Nyom (Dawson 82)

Brought on after Dawson forced off with injury but kept things tight. 6/10

Gareth McAuley (Evans 84)

Some rare minutes in the league that could become more frequent soon. 6/10

Unused: Myhill, Yacob, McClean, Robson-Kanu.