West Brom 1 Brighton 0 - Player ratings

Sam Johnstone

The keeper made three important saves – two of which denied Neal Maupay while the other kept out an Aaron Connolly strike. They were all good stops, but saves you would expect a quality keeper like Johnstone to make.

Assured 7

Darnell Furlong

A really committed display from the full-back who left everything out on the grass. Furlong defended well and tried to offer a threat down the right.

Leader 7

Dara O’Shea

Back in the side with Semi Ajayi suspended, O’Shea was excellent alongside Kyle Bartley at the heart of the defence. Strong in the air, composed on the ground and also willing to put his body on the line, the defender has given Sam Allardyce a selection headache.

Disciplined 8

Kyle Bartley

Scored the winning goal, but even if he hadn’t Bartley was man-of-the-match. Outstanding at the back, his afternoon was summed up when he produced an exquisitely timed challenge on Jakub Modor in the box – which he then passionately celebrated like scoring a goal.

Warrior 9

Conor Townsend

A bit unlucky with the penalty he conceded with one or two camera angles showing Townsend got the ball. Otherwise stood up to Brighton’s relentless pressure well.

Steady 7

Okay Yokuslu

Another hugely impressive showing from Yokuslu who is rapidly becoming a fans’ favourite. Composed on the ball, excellent at reading the play and also willing to throw himself into a crunching tackle, the Turkish international is everything you want in a holding midfielder. He did, though, handle the ball for Brighton’s first penalty.

Excellent, bar the penalty 8

Conor Gallagher

Replaced Matheus Pereira on corner duties and delivered immediately by sending in the ball for Bartley’s goal. Another display full of energy, the last three games show Gallagher is back to his best after a brief dip in form.

Tenacious 8

Ainsely Maitland-Niles

The Arsenal loanee showed his quality in flashes in a solid all-round performance. But he really should have scored just before half-time when he was played through on goal.

Energetic 7

Matt Phillips

Again asked to play on the left, Phillips linked up well with Townsend at times. But while he worked hard and showed some nice touches, his final ball was lacking.

Committed 6

Mbaye Diagne

It was always going to tough for the striker up against Ben White and Lewis Dunk, but Diagne battled well and won some crucial headers. Unfortunately, Albion didn’t create a chance of note for him.

Battled 6

Matheus Pereira

Like Phillips, the Brazilian worked hard and did everything he could to influence the game. But on this occassion the quality just wasn’t there with Pereira’s passing sloppy.

Out of sorts 6

Substitutes

Grady Diangana (for Phillips 72), Branislav Ivanovic (for Pereira 79), Hal Robson-Kanu (for Diagne 83). Subs not used: Button, Peltier, Livermore, Sawyers, Robinson, Grant.