West Brom player ratings vs Stoke City with three 8’s after away victory

Nat Phillips' header, and first goal for Albion, on the 15-minute mark was all that separated the two sides.

Albion head into the first international break of the season with three wins and a draw from their opening four matches.

Here’s our player ratings from the victory at Stoke:

Josh Griffiths 

Was untroubled for most of the first period, but produced a superb save to deny Million Manhoef at the back post, six minutes from the break. Was alert to palm away a quick and powerful goal-bound effort from Sorba Thomas.

Alert, 7

Chris Mepham 

A perfect debut for Mepham who joined Albion from Bournemouth on Thursday. Slotted in easily and looked comfortable with Nat Phillips at the back, who he knows from his previous club. His experience showed with solid defending, and he crucially cut out several forward passes. 

Solid, 8

George Campbell

At right back, Campbell was in for a tough test against Sorba Thomas who has enjoyed an impressive start to life at Stoke. But, the American battled well, and kept the danger man as quiet as possible. Campbell made a crucial block to deny Divin Mubama - with Stoke adamant that it struck his hand/arm. 

Rock, 8

Nat Phillips 

Sent the sold out away end into raptures when he turned home for the opener after Viktor Johansson’s blunder. Solid at the back too, heading away ball after ball, and made crucial blocks and tackles as Stoke rallied early in the second half.

Hero, 8

Callum Styles

Kept winger Million Manhoef quiet in the opening, but was exposed midway through the first-half, leading to a big opportunity for the hosts. Looked troubled at times and a mistake nearly led to a Stoke equaliser early in the second period. Was part of a solid back line that defended brilliantly. 

Pressured, 6

Jason Molumby

Controlled the midfield with Mowatt, battling and getting the better of playmaker Bae Junho several times. Did the dirty work that usually goes unnoticed. With a shooting opportunity past the hour mark, his eyes lit up, but it was wayward. 

Controlled, 7

Alex Mowatt

Worked hard and dominated the midfield with few misplaced passes. Got forward and created chances for Albion, playing some wonderful sequences with Isaac Price. A low cross nearly found Aune Heggebo that would have given Albion daylight. 

Dominant, 7.

Isaac Price

Was a handful for the Stoke defence after dropping deeper and moving out to the left in the second period. Linked well with Mowatt and created ample opportunities. Yellow carded for an off the ball incident with Junior Tchamadeu.

Handful, 7

Jed Wallace

Despite missing a golden opportunity to put Albion two ahead on the 70-minute mark, he was a standout for Albion, creating chances and problems for the Stoke defence. Was close to converting for an early lead after a superb run from the halfway line. Flew into tackles and got stuck in when required too.

Impressive, 7

Aune Heggebo

The presence of tall and strong Stoke defender Bosun Lawal never seemed to phase Heggebo who displayed his immense aerial ability, winning balls and laying it off for his teammates. The forward tested Johansson too and was agonisingly close to meeting an inviting low cross in the second half. 

Commanding, 7

Mikey Johnston

His early cross turned shot nearly gave Albion the lead with goalkeeper Viktor Johansson having to throw the ball away from the goalmouth. Johnston was a nuisance for the Stoke defence and caused problems throughout with sweeping crosses into the box and runs forward. 

Nuisance, 7

Subs

Toby Collyer (for Wallace, 78) N/A. Ousmane Diakite (for Johnston, 88) N/A. Alex Williams (for Alex Mowatt, 88) N/A, Josh Maja (for Jayson Molumby, 90) N/A.

Not used: Joe Wildsmith, Alfie Gilchrist, Oliver Bostock, Devante Cole, Joe Wallis.