Aston Villa 0 West Brom 2 - Albion player ratings

Sam Johnstone

Made two huge saves on his return to Villa Park, racing out quickly to snaffle a one-on-one at the feet of Tammy Abraham, and tipping a long-range John McGinn shot around the post. Considering how Lovre Kalinic played, the Villa fans no doubt looked on with envy.... 8/10

Mason Holgate

Picked up an early booking for a mistimed tackle on Andre Green, and it looked like being a long afternoon, but he managed his game perfectly afterwards. Albion’s 4-3-3 formation is naturally narrow, so it leaves the full-backs exposed, but he defended brilliantly. Also set up Robson-Kanu for his goal. 8/10

Craig Dawson

Tammy Abraham beat him to a couple of early balls, but a crunching tackle to deny Villa a two-on-one in the first half seemed to instil some confidence. After that, he was imperious, and nothing got past him. Decision making was spot on. 8/10

Ahmed Hegazi

Was nearly caught out in the first half when he dawdled on a sideways Barry pass, but apart from one minor blip, the Egyptian was his usual unflappable self. Won header after header in the second half to see out the win. Albion’s back line is better with him back in it. 7/10

Kieran Gibbs

Just like Holgate, when Albion were playing 4-3-3 in the first half, Gibbs dealt with overloads well. He was given a bit more cover in the second half, but it was a determined performance from the left-back which limited chances down his flank. 7/10

Jake Livermore

This is the sort of game that suits Livermore, a backs-to-the-wall battle he can get his teeth stuck into. Worked diligently throughout both halves to try and keep a lid on Villa’s midfield, and even sent Murphy in behind with one clever pass in the first period. 7/10

Gareth Barry

Led the team out at Villa Park and put in a captain’s performance against his former club that earned applause from both sets of fans. Unflappable on the ball, positionally perfect off it, he still oozes class as he nears his 38th birthday. Albion’s most important player. 8/10

Rekeem Harper

The 18-year-old continues to go from strength to strength. In this game, he showcased his versatility, starting in a midfield three, driving forward as a false nine, and then ending up on the right wing. Has now started eight of the last nine games. 7/10

Jacob Murphy

Caused Villa problems in the first half with his pace, but might have pulled the trigger earlier on two occasions he was sent clear down the channel. Disciplined in the second half, when he was pushed further back by the tactics, but put his shift in. 6/10

Jay Rodriguez

Rodriguez is on form. He’s scored seven goals and laid on three assists in his last nine league games. And he ran all day at Villa Park. The last remaining member of the Fab Four, he’s the only outfield player to play every league game this season. Hugely important. 8/10

Hal Robson-Kanu

Dragged himself off the treatment table to play 45 minutes and score a crucial goal in the derby, sparking a half-time barrage of his song in the away end concourse. Sharp header, which should have been saved, but he also held the ball up well. Stepped up to the plate. 7/10

Substitutes

Sam Field (Robson-Kanu 45)

A hugely mature and energetic performance from the 20-year-old. Exactly what Albion needed in the second half, and deserves to take Barry's place on Tuesday. 7/10

Kyle Bartley (Murphy 78)

Helped see out the game when Albion switched to a back five. 6/10

Stefan Johansen (Barry 86)

Provided fresh legs at a much-needed time. Willing to chase down in the dying minutes but you feel Tuesday could be his game. 6/10

Unused: Bond, Adarabioyo, Montero, Hoolahan