West Brom 3 Preston 1: Jonny Drury's player ratings

Alex Palmer 7

Made a couple of key saves from distance in the first period - but all in all it was a relatively quiet afternoon for the Albion keeper.

Darnell Furlong 7

A decent display from the full back. A superb driving run and cut back for Maja's second goal. Had a few off moments where he conceded possession, but a decent enough afternoon for Furlong.

Kyle Bartley 8

Comes out of the festive period with as much credit as anyone. Was predicted he wouldn't be able to feature in all of the games, but he has done and in this one he was immense. Won everything in the air, and his reading of situations was superb. Defender also had a hand in the third goal, finding Maja with a pass from the back.

Torbjorn Heggem 8

Rinse and repeat for Heggem, who continues his top form. Never looked troubled, calm under pressure when Preston did have spells. And it was the defender who play the initial pass that led to the opening goal.

Callum Styles 8

Just continues to get better. Had a tough battle with Bowler but got the better of him, and then going forward he offers so much. Almost scored with a clever back heel before his shot with his wrong foot doubled the lead. Another superb display.

Ousmane Diakite 7

Followed up his Sheffield United display with another good performance. Found his feet early on, and showed superb energy and strength in the middle, with some key interceptions. Was good in the air and slotted in at the back late on when required.

Jayson Molumby 8

Another really top outing from the midfielder, who has all the makings of a future Albion skipper. Covered so much ground, and is becoming more and more important going forward as well as the defensive work he does.

Tom Fellows 7

Sharp as always down the right. Picked up a couple of good early crosses that no one could get on the end of. His ball carrying was superb at times to drive Albion up the pitch. Linked well with the front line, before being subbed at the break.

Karlan Grant 7

Another busy Grant display. Linked up superbly well with Johnston and Styles down the left hand side, and got into good areas on numerous occasions. 

Mikey Johnson 8

The summer signing has come alive in recent weeks. It was his quality and awareness to check back and then cross for Maja that led to the opener, before his corner set up Styles for the second. Constant threat with Grant down the left.

Josh Maja 8

A fruitful afternoon after a barren run. Maja's display was superb again but this time it had goals. Hold up play was top drawer, linking moves, dropping deep to start moves, and then topped it off with two goals. The second of which he started himself. Brilliant display.

Substitutes

46 Jed Wallace for Fellows 5

Showed some good energy before his glaring error led to the Preston goal.

60 Grady Diangana for Johnston 6

A few creative moments down the left as Albion saw the game out.

Came on to just help see the game out and did okay.

73 - Devante Cole for Maja 5

Wasn't really able to make an impact on the game.

80 - Gianluca Frabotta for Styles N/A