West Brom 0 Middlesbrough 2 - Player ratings

Sam Johnstone

A lively afternoon for the keeper. Couple of rushes of blood in either half when coming out of area but produced plenty of decent saves as Boro created numerous chances. 6

Darnell Furlong

One or two timely interceptions as Albion were under the cosh before almost scoring with a header for the second successive home game. Booked late on for a clip of Coulson’s heels. 6

Semi Ajayi

Part of a defence which at times struggled to cope with the lively Middlesbrough attack. One excellent first half pass to set up an attack as Albion tried to get on the front foot. 5

Ahmed Hegazi

Kept his place after Barnsley and delivered plenty of much-needed defending on a busy afternoon for the Baggies back-line. Generally an assured presence. 6

Nathan Ferguson

A very quiet afternoon for Ferguson who was up against the speedy Spence and found it difficult to get himself forward on the overlap, Withdrawn at half time. 5

Jake Livermore

Influential at both ends of the pitch with one lungbursting run back to snuff out a first half opening before delivering a fine strike on goal in the second. Albion will need his experience to get back on track. 6

Gareth Barry

First start since rejoining in November and indeed first start since defeat at Leeds on March 1st. One or two stray passes but also some experienced and timely interceptions in defence. 6

Matt Phillips

Didn’t hide during Albion’s difficult opening and was also willing to roam to try and get his side going. Booked as a sign of Albion’s frustrations as they searched in vain for a second half breakthrough. 6

Matheus Pereira

Still Albion’s best creative hope even when not completely at his best. Boro tried to counter him with two holding midfielders and it showed in the first half. Pereira enjoyed more influence in the second when switched to the right. 6

Kyle Edwards

Provided some early spark down left, saw plenty of the ball and wasn’t too far off target with one curling shot. But made way at half time as Slaven Bilic tried to change the game. 5

Hal Robson-Kanu

Held ball up well and produced some neat touches and interplay as the focal point of the first half attack. No real openings as he switched back to number ten after the interval. 5

Subs

Conor Townsend (for Ferguson 45)

Injected some purpose down the left side for the Baggies but ultimately to no avail. Great low block late on just before Fletcher’s game-sealer. 5

Charlie Austin (for edwards 45)

Added some aggression and heading prowess to the front-line and went closest with an excellent late header which was beaten away. 6

Filip Krovinovic (for Barry 59)

One or two decent passes but found it difficult to impose himself on the game as Albion looked to the flanks for creativity in search of a leveller. 5

Not used: Bond, Bartley, Brunt, Sawyers.