How Albion players rated at Aston Villa.

MATY RYAN 7

Three first-half saves to make, two of them diving to his left and then an unusual clearance with his foot. Did what was required when crosses came in.

BEN WHITE 8

Got in a fantastic last-ditch clearance to deny Watkins in the first half and his versatility was well used after Lallana departed. For whatever reason, was in an unusual position outside Konsa when Villa scored.

LEWIS DUNK 7

An uncomfortable start to his first game back and was reprieved by wasteful Trezeguet (and a Webster block) after an error. Was more influential as events wore on and the crosses rained down on that Holte End penalty area.

ADAM WEBSTER 6

Was he blocked off when Villa scored? He certainly produced a huge block from Trezeguet’s point-blank first-half shot. Another whose adaptability helped Albion change shape when needed but he had a rather disconcerting period in the second half.

TARIQ LAMPTEY 8

Electric in the first half continued that into the second period more effectively than has often been the case. His speed of movement is well documented but showed he is quick-thinking too. The one negative was the double booking which might cost dear versus Liverpool.

YVES BISSOUMA 7

Gets through a lot of unglamorous work these days in his role in front of the back three.

PASCAL GROSS 7

A joy to watch in midfield and he edged further forward as the contest developed. Played a part in Albion’s best passing moves, including that which brought the winner.

ADAM LALLANA 7

Played a superb through ball as he was being clattered to send Welbeck away to score, just a couple of minutes after great work going the other way to intercept a cutback. But he should have done better with a goalscoring chance.

SOLLY MARCH 8

While Lamptey earned the rave reviews on the right in the first half, March was delivering some tempting deliveries from the left. His second-half goal combined high levels of execution and confidence.

NEAL MAUPAY 6

The fire is still there and he makes a nuisance of himself, stretching defences physically and emotionally. But he really had to score when Welbeck’s pass tempted Martinez out of the area.

DANNY WELBECK 9

A superb finish, of course. But there was an awful lot more than that in general play and retaining possession. His touch should have led to a goal by Maupay and he did his defensive chores too. Had a couple of moments when he might have scored his second.

SUBS

JOEL VELTMAN 7

It had to be off the bench this time but he is such a good defensive option for Potter.

DAN BURN

Sent on to facilitate a change of shape and was also a good target for Ryan going long.

JAYSON MOLUMBY

A couple of minutes of chasing and harrying which he will always remember.