Albion kept a clean sheet and halted their losing run on the road.

But they were disappointed with a 0-0 draw at Brentford.

The collective effort lacked tempo for much of the game.

In terms of individuals, there were no really poor performances and the defenders who kept the door shut deserved credit.

Joao Pedro’s pleasing return contributed to a set of individual marks which perhaps give a flattering impression of the overall performance.

Bart Verbruggen 7/10

The first Albion goalkeeper to make four successive starts this season and he did everything that was required, including a couple of routine saves, safe work under the high ball and calm passing from the back. Does De Zerbi now have a first-choice? We will find out more on Saturday.

Joel Veltman 7/10

The usual reliable defensive shift, with one first-half exception, and he got a long way forward early on to win a header deep in the Bees box. You know what you get with him – and it doesn’t include the attacking pace for which Albion looked with Lamptey in a late tactical shift.

Jan Paul van Hecke 8/10

Hearts were in mouths when he made some contact on Toney in the box, but the Brentford man stayed on his feet and scuffed his shot. That was van Hecke’s most awkward moment in another good display and it is always an adventure to see him rumbling forward with the ball at his feet.

Lewis Dunk 7.5/10

Involved in the big VAR incident and also turned in a less headline-making shift at the back against an attack who can cause most teams problems.

Igor 7.5/10

A rock solid return on the left of what at times looked like a three, sometimes a four and sometimes even a five. Made a key block in front of goal and even had a couple of goes at goal.

Carlos Baleba 7/10

De Zerbi has spoken of team-mates having increasing confidence in the young midfielder and this was another valuable match under his belt. At his best when driving forward with the ball under control. He can be a bit ungainly at times, notably here with a poor attempt at a sliding tackle on Brentford’s best chance, and maybe that is why he seems to get the rough end of some refereeing decisions.

Pascal Gross 6.5/10

Prompted and probed, looking to find a way through, but there was no magic moment and Albion lacked tempo at times.

Facundo Buonanotte 6/10

He is someone who can add urgency to attacking play and he had a couple of goes at goal but was unable to find a way through well-organised hosts and was taken off ahead of the final push.

Adam Lallana 6/10

Was narrowly wide, then way off target with a couple of shots. Worked some pretty patterns in midfield and around the edge of the box.

Simon Adingra 6/10

Surprisingly quiet out wide. Curled an effort past the far top corner but Albion needed more invention from him.

Joao Pedro 8/10

A really pleasing 90-minute return to action as he dropped deep to get on the ball, keep it, beat players and make things happen. Tested Flekken low to his right and seemed to enjoy linking with Welbeck late on.

SUBS - Julio Enciso 6/10

Still feeling his way back but looked keen to add direction to attacks. One poor finish and another which was well struck but close to Flekken.

Danny Welbeck 6/10

Got into great areas but needed to make more of one of three notable chances. Maybe the header was the best of them because he had defenders sliding in on him as he offloaded his two shots.

Tariq Lamptey 6/10

Added a bit more pace and go-forward out wide but not to a game-changing degree.

Jakub Moder N/A

Sent on as an attacking midfielder in place of a right-back in the push for a win.