It was all about the ten men during the final stages at Forest – in the absence of 12.

Albion stood firm to protect three points without a dozen players unavailable due to injury or disciplinary issues.

It was a superb team performance, both then and in how they played to establish a 3-1 lead.

This is how the Albion unit rated as individuals.

Bart Verbruggen 8/10

Made a sharp save very late to cap a fine performance. Ball handling and footwork were good and he had no chance with the goals.

Joel Veltman 8/10

Was sucked in to marking Wood and left Elanga alone to head the opener, which looked like a well-intentioned error of judgement. Was a warrior at the back from then on.

Jan Paul van Hecke 9/10

A towering presence in defence when Albion came under a late barrage of urgent, if unimaginative, attacks. Continues to use the ball well with nothing too complicated.

Lewis Dunk 5/10

Was on course for another high mark, his highlight a goal-saving block in the first half to deny Gibbs-White. Then his afternoon went up in smoke.

Tariq Lamptey 6/10

A return on the left, and quickly got into advanced positions before injury struck.

Billy Gilmour 7/10

Was unusually shot-happy in the first half but his best work was in keeping things ticking over in midfield as Albion controlled matters with 11 versus 11.

Pascal Gross 8/10

Ninety minutes to sum up the range of qualities he brings. Helped Albion build their lead with pinpoint service for the first two goals, then preserve it from full-back.

Simon Adingra 7/10

Went on a particularly tricky dribble early on and was a good outlet while also doing his chores.

Adam Lallana 7/10

A lovely dummy (or maybe two) in the Ferguson goal and some nice touches and movement in his 45 minutes. 

Ansu Fati N/A

This could have been such a big afternoon for him on his favourite left flank but was cut short by injury.

Evan Ferguson 8/10

Showed high levels of class and composure for what is starting to become a trademark goal of his - good first touch, half turn and a pass inside the far post.

Subs - Joao Pedro 8/10

Got longer than expected and responded to that with a classic header and a calm penalty. Was ideal to fill that lone role playing with ten.

Jack Hinshelwood 6/10

Gave his all in unaccustomed areas of the pitch and can be hugely proud of his efforts. When dust has settled, he might also reflect on that foul which changed the course of the afternoon.

Facundo Buonanotte 7/10

Worked enthusiastically after his half-time introduction.

Jakub Moder N/A

Thrown back in when other managers might have had second thoughts given the circumstances and played his part in preserving the win.

Carlos Baleba N/A

Did a valuable job in the late resistance.