West Brom 2 Stoke 1 - Player ratings

Sam Johnstone

Nervy moment in the first half when McClean charged down his clearance and it bounced onto the roof of the net. And there was another sliced clearance that put Albion in trouble. But his shot-stopping was solid and there was little he could do about Pieters’ arrowed goal. 6/10

Craig Dawson

First league start of the season and his presence seemed to improve the whole backline. Won several important headers, marshalled the defence well and looked comfortable on the ball. Will be an important cog in the system this season. 7/10

Ahmed Hegazi

Shaky on the ball in the first half, but was arguably man of the match after the break. Not only did he win countless headers in the box, he also denied Etebo with a fantastic tackle. By far his best performance this season, but needs to learn when to put it in row Z. 8/10

Kyle Bartley

Apart from one pass in the first half that was cut out by Etebo, this was an improved performance both in and out of possession from Albion’s summer signing. Dominant in the air like Dawson and Hegazi he also used the ball better than recent weeks. 7/10

Matt Phillips

A quieter match in the attacking third from Phillips, who did his defensive duties admirably. Set up a good chance for Hegazi from a free-kick and always a willing runner, but it is his solid partnership with Dawson down the right wing that looks most encouraging. 6/10

Chris Brunt

An improved performance from the skipper, who won possession in important places and was playing quick, first-time balls. Had one of the highest pass completion rates in the team, and was normally looking forward. Overshadowed by Livermore, but a solid game. 7/10

Jake Livermore

Up there with one of his best performances in a Baggies shirt. His industry was epitomised in the first half when he charged down Butland from 40 yards, and his passing was epitomised by the through-ball to Barnes and the assist for Gayle's goal. Gave away the penalty, but even that worked out in the end. His day. 9/10

Kieran Gibbs

Had more than a hand in the first goal, and while Gayle will get all the plaudits, he breezed past a player before finding the striker, and was ready for the pull-back too. Relishing his new license to attack, he looks both classy and dangerous going forward. 7/10

Harvey Barnes

The boy that makes this system tick. Always in space, always ready to receive the ball on the half turn, always ready to run at defenders. Barnes is a joy to watch, and while a more experienced finisher may have lifted his shot over Butland’s leg, he was brilliant again here. 7/10

Jay Rodriguez

Snatched his best chance after Barnes had put him clear through but he was ever willing to work back, as shown in the first half when he robbed Etebo and flashed a shot just wide of the post. Outshone by Gayle on this occasion, but is building a good partnership. 6/10

Dwight Gayle

The first goal was somehow a great solo effort at the same time as being a brilliant team goal. The second goal was just pure unfiltered finishing. Gayle has been threatening to do this since he arrived, and it’s nothing less than he deserves. A clinical and brilliant striker. 9/10

Substitutes

Hal Robson-Kanu (Gayle 72) Did well with his back to goal and won some important free-kicks. 6/10

Gareth Barry (Barnes 82) Brought on to shore things up. 6/10

Unused: Myhill, Adarabioyo, Field, Burke, Leko.