West Brom 4 Cardiff 2 - Player ratings

Here we rate the players.

SAM JOHNSTONE

The glovesman made good stops in the first-half to deny Robert Glatzel and Gavin Whyte. Johnstone also impressed with his handling whenever Cardiff tried their luck from distance. His distribution with his feet was also good. The keeper could do nothing about either of the goals he conceded, yet looked absolutely livid not to have kept a clean sheet. 7

DARNELL FURLONG

Cardiff were so worried about the threat of Furlong and Matt Phillips down the right, they effectively played with two left-back at times Junior Hoilett was so deep. That meant Furlong was quieter than usual but he still put in a steady and effective display. 7

SEMI AJAYI

Cardiff must be seriously wondering how they let Ajayi go with the defender putting in another impressive display to continue his excellent start to life at The Hawthorns. Commanding in the back four, the Nigerian international was also happy stepping into midfield to help Albion when they pushed forward. He will, though, feel he could have done more to prevent Danny Ward's first goal. 7

KYLE BARTLEY

Excellent for the majority of the game, Bartley stood up to Cardiff's direct style and comfortably won his battle with Robert Glatzel. He did allow Ward to run past him for the striker's first goal. Overall, though, he can be very pleased with his afternoon's work. 7

NATHAN FERGUSON

The 19-year-old's battle with Gavin Whyte was always going to be key with Cardiff known to try and hit the winger early with long balls. But Ferguson wasn't fazed at all and largely kept the winger in check. Showed his confidence with an outrageous double drag-back in his own box. 7

JAKE LIVERMORE

An outstanding, captain's performance from the 29-year-old. Against a physical Cardiff side, Livermore was a man mountain in the middle of the park – expertly breaking up play. He also did wonderfully well to win the ball to set up Grady Diangana for Albion's second. Consistently showed his nous by filling in for Ferguson and Furlong whenever they ventured forward. 9

ROMAINE SAWYERS

Another excellent performance from the midfielder who was absolutely overjoyed at netting his first Albion goal. Sawyers produced a centre-forward's finish in stoppage time. But his all-round game was impressive here with the 27-year-old winning a number of 50/50s whilst also being bright on the ball. 8

MATT PHILLIPS

The winger sent in a beautiful cross from which Charlie Austin came a whisker away from opening the scoring in the first-half. Phillips used the ball intelligently over the course of the 90 minutes. But he didn't have as a big an impact as Albion's other forwards. 7

MATHEUS PEREIRA

To quote Slaven Bilic, the Brazilian is playing some "unbelievable" football. Pereira scored with a delicious strike from 25-yards after playing a neat one-two with Diangana. His outstanding vision meant he also claimed assists for the goals scored by Austin and Sawyers. Majestic yet again, Cardiff at times couldn't get the ball off him as he glided across the pitch. 9

GRADY DIANGANA

A full-back's nightmare, Diangana is great when he stays wide and looks to beat his marker before getting crosses into the box. But he is ever more devastating when he cuts inside. The West Ham loanee combined beautifully with Pereira for the Brazilian's goal. He then went on to score with an equally spectacular strike himself. Subbed with an Achilles problem, fans will have been relieved to hear Bilic say he doesn't think it's serious. 8

CHARLIE AUSTIN

Twice denied by outstanding stops from Alex Smithies, Austin couldn't have done any more with either of those opportunities. But he didn't let his head drop, continued to work hard and then got the loudest cheer of the afternoon when he did finally score his first league with a brilliant finish through the keeper's legs. 8

SUBS

KYLE EDWARDS (for Diangana 53)

A threat going forward, Edwards did need to be more composed in possession during that anxious last 20 minutes. 6

FILIP KROVINOVIC (for Phillips 73)

A really positive contribution from the Croatian who used the ball well and also stood up to Cardiff's physical threat. 7

KENNETH ZOHORE (for Austin 81)

Arguably should have done better with the corner that led to Ward's second goal. 5