Albion player ratings v Blues

Here we rate the players.

Sam Johnstone

The keeper made an important stop to deny Kristian Pedersen just before half-time. Johnstone also kept out distance strike's from David Davis and Jeremie Bela. It's hard to tell from the camera angles, but the 26-year-old may feel he could have done better with Harlee Dean's header. 7

Nathan Ferguson

Ferguson was beaten in the air by Lukas Jutkiewicz for the Blues opener. On what was a difficult afternoon, the full-back also struggled to cope with the threat of Jude Bellingham. After a few under-par displays, you can't help but wonder if the uncertainty surrounding Ferguson’s future is starting to affect his performances. 6

Kyle Bartley

A solid performance from the centre-back who got his head on the vast majority of crosses that entered Albion's box. Bartley, who had at loan spell at St Andrew's in 2013, also made some well-timed challenges and couldn't be faulted for either of Birmingham's goals. 7

Semi Ajayi

The defender has been a revelation since his summer move from Rotherham. But Ajayi wasn't as imposing as usual at St Andrew's. He did impress when Albion switched to a back-three, though, with the 26-year-old doing well when covering for Darnell Furlong. 6

Conor Townsend

A poor afternoon for the full-back who was beaten in the air by Harlee Dean for Blues' second goal. Townsend's passing also wasn't as crisp as usual, with derby nerves perhaps getting the better of him. Subbed for Furlong just after the hour mark. 5

Jake Livermore

His role in Albion's first goal went somewhat under the radar with the midfielder initially doing well to win the ball for Matt Phillips. Livermore can also claim an assist for Austin's stunning strike. In what proved to be a fiery derby, the captain battled relentlessly in the middle of the park. 8

Romaine Sawyers

Sawyers played a lovely ball to find Furlong in the build-up to Albion's third goal. He also made a number of other incisive passes forward. But he wasn't quite as accurate as usual, with some wayward passes inviting unnecessary pressure. 6

Matt Phillips

The wideman sent in the cross which Grady Diangana tapped in. But Phillips should have done better when he won the ball from Geraldo Bajrami – putting Albion in a position to break three on one. Phillips, though, then failed to play a simple pass to put Diangana through on goal. 6

Matheus Pereira

The scrappy nature of the game ensured Pereira was never going to be at his brilliant best. But he still had a big hand in Austin's screamer. He also battled well throughout. Lucky not to be injured when on the end of a nasty challenge from Ivan Sunjic. 7

Grady Diangana

In the right place to tap in Albion's equaliser in the ninth minute, Diangana looked lively until he was withdrawn with a hamstring problem. Baggies fans will hope that isn't the last they see of him following rumours West Ham will soon recall him from his loan. 7

Hal Robson-Kanu

In a bruising derby, you need players who can lead the line – with Robson-Kanu doing that well here. His hold-up play was good, his first-touch excellent and he also worked relentlessly for his team mates. Another good showing from the in-form Welshman. 7

Substitutes

Kyle Edwards (for Diangana 40)

The winger worked hard but struggled to really impact the game. 6

Darnell Furlong (for Townsend 61)

Deployed at wing-back, the former QPR man worked his socks off charing up and down the right-flank. Sent in a wonderful cross for Austin's second goal. 7

Charlie Austin (for Phillips 69)

What a 20 minutes. Austin scored a screamer. He then netted a wonderful poacher's goal with his clever movement simply too much for Maxime Colin. Deservidy collected the Man of the Match award - which he duly celebrated with Albion's fans. 9

Not used: Bond, Hegazi, Barry, Krovinovic.