West Brom 4 Reading 1 - Player ratings

Sam Johnstone

Not much he could have done about the goal, which was rifled in off the far post and owed more to the outfield players not closing Bacuna down. Made five saves in total, and although most of them were routine they still had to be made. Comfortable with his feet. 6/10

Craig Dawson

Won a match-high six headers and saw more of the ball than anyone else on the pitch. Turned over possession well with lots of timely interceptions and drove forward with purpose. He’s looking more comfortable in a back three each week, but misplaced a few passes. 6/10

Ahmed Hegazi

Like the majority of players, he was lacklustre in the first half and improved after the break. However, there wasn’t much movement ahead of him before half-time, forcing him to shuttle it out wide to Dawson or Bartley. Mopped up well a couple of times. 6/10

Kyle Bartley

He was claiming two towering headed goals after the game, although was only given one in the end. Had the highest pass completion rate of any starting player on the pitch, and improved as the game wore on. Still vulnerable to being turned, and that side is arguably Albion’s weakest. 7/10

Tyrone Mears

Actually started well, playing a pass in behind to Rodriguez, but too often looked inside for the safe ball to Livermore. Never got in behind, and fatigue started to tell as the game wore on. Set up Gayle’s first, but struggled to track players and misplaced too many passes. Didn’t deserve to be cheered off though. 5/10

Jake Livermore

After a great start to the season, this was a dip in form from Livermore. Misplaced too many passes, although that was partly down to Reading’s organised defence restricting space. Was brought off with more than 20 minutes to go and perhaps the games have finally caught up with him. Should be better after the break. 5/10

Gareth Barry

Found it difficult to keep up with runners like Bacuna in the first half, but that will happen if you pick a 37-year-old central midfielder. However, he improved after the break, used the ball well in the most part, and made a match-high four tackles. Still capable. 6/10

Kieran Gibbs

A quiet first half from Gibbs, who allowed too many attacks to come down his flank, but improved after the break and set up a chance for Brunt with some neat attacking play. Needed some help from someone at the short corner that Reading scored from. 6/10

Harvey Barnes

The only person in the first half showing some intent, when he drilled a shot just wide. Grew into his own after the break, once more spaces started to emerge. Scored his fifth goal of the season, and provided a constant threat with his runs in behind off the ball and his dribbling on it. 8/10

Jay Rodriguez

His passing was wayward in the first half, but like the rest of the team, he got better after half-time and was part of the one-two that set up Barnes’s goal. Has now been overtaken by Gayle in the scoring charts, which will hopefully help spur him on after the international break. 6/10

Dwight Gayle

The Championship player of the month continued his fine form with two more goals at The Hawthorns, although Bartley may dispute his second. With Gayle in the team, there’s always a chance Albion will find the net. Destined to get 25+ goals this season. 8/10

Substitutes

Kyle Edwards (Mears 62)

An encouraging 30 minutes from the 20-year-old in a tricky position. Made three tackles, which was the second highest number behind Barry from either team, and linked up with Barnes well. Took his chance well and is now a genuine option at right wing-back. 7/10

Chris Brunt (Livermore 67)

Shuttled the ball forward to Barnes and the strikers with purpose, nearly scored an acrobatic volley, and played clever balls over the top. 7/10

Tosin Adarabioyo (Barnes 88)

Came on too late to have an impact.

Unused: Myhill, Townsend, Hoolahan, Robson-Kanu