West Brom 0 Sheffield United 1 - Player ratings

Sam Johnstone

Kieran Dowell’s header looped over him into the far corner, but he kept Albion in it with a smart save to deny Mavin Johnson in the first half. He has commanded his area from crosses much better since Gary Walsh was made goalkeeping coach. 6/10

Mason Holgate

Misplaced a couple of passes but did more good than bad. Was unusually influential for a right-back, whether it was drifting in off the wing and having a shot, or slinging dangerous deliveries into the box. Has strengthened that flank, but Albion rely on him too much. 7/10

Craig Dawson

Dealt well with the Sheffield United’s busy front two and for most of the match and limited the potent Billy Sharp to barely a sniff at goal. Also looked threatening at the back post from Albion’s set pieces, although his team-mates could have utilised that threat a bit more. 6/10

Ahmed Hegazi

Nowhere near as composed on the ball as recent weeks, but still won a match-high eight headers, even though he was forced off early with an ankle injury. Tried to play through the pain, but will be a blow if he misses Friday’s big clash at Elland Road. 6/10

Kieran Gibbs

Struggled to get forward with his usual vim, and failed to cut out the cross from Martin Cranie that led to the goal. Wasn’t helped by the system, which leaves the full-backs exposed, particularly against a team like Sheffield United, who overload wide areas. But was fortunate to escape punishment after a nasty challenge on Kieron Freeman. 5/10

Jake Livermore

The midfielder who epitomises the 4-3-3. An incredibly useful battler away from home capable of breaking up play, he lacks the necessary guile at The Hawthorns to break down stubborn opposition. Albion need someone more inventive at home. 5/10

Gareth Barry

For the first time this season, Barry looked his age. Whether it was United’s energetic midfield or a packed-out February catching up with him, this was a rare off-key performance from the match-winner at Bramall Lane. Chris Wilder targeted him, and it worked. 5/10

Rekeem Harper

The teenager is now firmly ensconced in the first team, but if that’s the case, he must be judged accordingly. Although his shooting was wayward, at least he was getting forward, but his man ran off him too often. Impressive that he’s holding his own, but still has things to learn. 6/10

Matt Phillips

Dangerous when he opened up his lungs, but was given the ball with his back to goal too often. Dallied on a square ball in the first half during Albion’s best opening, but there’s no doubt, a fit Matt Phillips makes the Baggies a better team. 5/10

Jay Rodriguez

Has started every single league game this season and it looked it. Not necessarily his fault, because United were compact, and he’s been over-worked, but Rodriguez failed to get to grips with the game. Hopefully he can recharge the batteries this week. Deserves credit for admitting he handled the ball into the net straight away. 5/10

Dwight Gayle

Only he knows if the boos from the away end affected him, but by his high standards, he’ll be disappointed he didn’t take that first-half chance. Gayle has been hugely reliable this season, but for once, he faltered in front of goal. Needs to be playing centrally though. 5/10

Substitutes

Jefferson Montero (Phillips 64)

Added some impetus. 6/10

Tosin Adarabioyo (Hegazi 64)

Calm and composed. 6/10

Kyle Edwards (Jake Livermore 86)

Unable to make the telling impact. N/A

Unused: Bond, Bartley, Johansen, Field.