Express & Star

West Brom 1 Norwich 1 - Player ratings

Albion were sucker-punched by a late Norwich City leveller at The Hawthorns yesterday to remain three points off the top two. Here, we rate the players.

Published
Rekeem Harper impressed on his full league debut. (AMA)

Sam Johnstone

Made a smart two handed save to keep out a dangerous Teemu Pukki header, the visitors' first chance of the game. Got down well to keep out a long range effort in the second half. Caught out for the Norwich leveller as Rhodes poked home at the front post. 7/10

Mason Holgate

Fantastic throughout the first period. Both solid at the back and dangerous going forward. Produced a number of top quality crosses, and the one that led to the opening goal. Nearly scored in the second half with a trio of shots that whizzed past the goal. 8/10

Craig Dawson

Looks a lot more comfortable playing in the middle than he did as a right back. Much like his defensive partner he won all his headers in the first half, and always looked to start at Albion attack when he picked up the ball. One mistake in the second half that allowed Pukki in was almost costly but overall, a solid performance. 7/10

Ahmed Hegazi

Back in the side and looked as solid as ever throughout the first period, commanding the back line and winning all his headers. 8/10

Kieran Gibbs

A constant threat going forward down the left side, starting off many of Albion's attacking moves. Got caught by Norwich down his flank a few times in the second half, but continued to offer an attacking threat. 7/10

Chris Brunt

Top performance from the skipper, who, as always, produced a string of dangerous set plays that troubled Norwich all afternoon. Was also willing to do the dirty work in midfield. 7/10

Gareth Barry

As composed as anyone on the park. Broke up play on numerous occasions throughout the game. Always looked to get the Albion moving forward. Almost doubled Albion's lead early in the second half as a ball fell to him in the box, but his rasping effort was saved. 8/10

Rekeem Harper

A sparkling debut for the youngster who did not look out of place at all. Allowed to push on with Brunt and Barry sitting, and he was a driving force behind the front men. Had a fierce low effort saved in the first half. Was again a threat in the second half, and had the legs to drive forward from midfield right to the end. 8/10

Jay Rodriguez

As always the striker worked his socks of the side, and was a constant threat to Norwich. The Canaries persisted with playing out from the back, but Rodriguez and the front line pegged them back at every opportunity. Went close with a smart snapshot in the first period. 7/10

Dwight Gayle

Back in the side and back among the goals. Took his first chance of the game well, latching onto Holgate's cross. Carried a threat throughout the game out wide on the left. Went close to doubling the lead midway through the second half, but gave away a silly foul in the corner which led to Norwich getting back on level terms. Replaced by Sako late on. 7/10

Hal Robson-Kanu

Snatched at a shot in the first period when he should have really hit the target. Almost doubled with lead with a cracking speculative effort seconds into the second half. Almost won it for with a volley in injury time before being subbed for Leko. 7/10

Substitutes

84 - Bakary Sako for Gayle

90 - Jonathan Leko for Robson-Kanu

Unused: Myhill, Adarabioyo, Bartley, Field, Hoolahan.