Express & Star

West Brom 5 Swansea 1 - Player ratings

Luke Hatfield provides his player ratings from West Brom's stunning 5-1 win over Swansea.

Published
Kyle Edwards of West Bromwich Albion celebrates after scoring a goal to make it 5-1 and is mobbed by his team mates. (AMA)

Sam Johnstone

Another solid showing from the keeper who was a spectator for long spells but did what he had to do well. Johnstone pulled off a decent save early on to deny Sam Surridge. He also coped well with the mixed weather – with the keeper having to deal with bright sun in the first-half and hail after the interval. 7

Kieran Gibbs

A good showing from Gibbs who impressed going forward and defensively until he was forced off with a hamstring injury. Was so frustrated to pick up the issue just ahead of the hour mark, having missed chunks of the season already through injury. Laid on the second goal brilliantly for Matheus Pereira. 7

Kyle Bartley

Bartley has been a rock all season, and he put in another good showing here. Should have opened the scoring only to put his header straight at Freddie Woodman. Played a massive part in Semi Ajayi's goal after nodding a corner back into the danger area. Bartley may, though, feel, he could have done better with Swansea’s goal. 7

Semi Ajayi

Everyone loves a centre back that offers up the odd goal at the other end, and Semi Ajayi does just that. Got Albion going with his header, which will be one of the easier goals he'll score this season. Did well to keep the visitors quiet in the second half too. 8

Nathan Ferguson

Another impressive performance from a full back who continues to play beyond his years. Ferguson switched flanks following Gibbs' departure and looked comfortable on the left once again. Maybe got a way with holding Nathan Dyer late on, but once again did very well. 8

Romaine Sawyers

Another impressive performance from Sawyers who kept things ticking over in midfield. As well as using the ball intelligently, he also impressed defensively with his partnership with Jake Livermore giving the team a fantastic base from which to build from. 8

Jake Livermore

A brilliant showing from Albion's skipper, who covered every blade of grass. Livermore broke up play superbly by always being in the right place at the right time. He also had his shooting boots on and forced Woodman into an excellent stop with a fierce drive from 25-yards. 9

Grady Diangana

He may not have been as instrumental as fellow loanee Pereira, but Diangana still played a huge role in this win. The winger produced a number of sublime pieces of skill that left Swansea full-back Connor Roberts in a daze. Showed yet again just what an excellent footballer he is. 8

Matheus Pereira

What. A. Performance. The Brazilian scored and effectively registered four assists in a display that drew comparisons with the great Laurie Cunningham. Leeds fans can say what they want about Pablo Hernandez, but Pereira is the best player in the Championship. 10

Matt Phillips

Always good for a goal, and he did it once again with a wonderful header. Phillips' delivery from dead balls was also excellent with the winger sending in the cross from which Bartley should have opened the scoring. As always, worked relentlessly for the cause. 8

Hal Robson-Kanu

Another superb showing from the Welshman, who’s been inspired this year. Scored a carbon copy of the goal he managed against Sheffield Wednesday. Robson-Kanu’s hold-up play was also superb with the forward the perfect foil for the talented trio behind him. 9

Subs

Darnell Furlong (for Gibbs 56)

Came on for Gibbs following his unfortunate injury and did just fine. Offers something different to Ferguson on the right side with his delivery, but we didn't see much of it against Swansea. Truth be told, he didn't need to do a whole lot going forward and was untested defensively. 6

Ahmed Hegazi (for Bartley 66)

On for Bartley, and got some much needed first-team minutes. Still didn't look completely composed, and did misplace the odd pass, but didn't cost Albion anything. Give him time and the Hegazi of old will soon be on show. 6

Kyle Edwards (for Diangana 71)

Came on and provided plenty of attacking intent in place of Diangana. Took his goal in emphatic style, giving Woodman no chance whatsoever with his finish. 7