Jay Rodriguez is 'leading light' for West Brom - Tony Pulis

The £12m summer signing lifted the ball over Ederson in the first half to draw Albion level at 1-1.

Even though the Baggies went on to lose 3-2, it was a vastly improved performance from Rodriguez, who looked more threatening up front in a two-man attack with Salomon Rondon and then Hal Robson-Kanu.

At times, the former Southampton man was also dropping in to ward off the danger of City left-back Fabian Delph.

Even though Pulis was pleased with all of his players, he reserved particular praise for Rodriguez.

It comes just a week after the head coach bemoaned Rodriguez's miss against his former club Southampton, but he was quick to praise his impact throughout the season.

"I thought Rodriguez was outstanding today, he played exceptionally well," said the head coach. "Jay's played well (this season) and been unfortunate not to score goals.

"Right back to the Arsenal game when he had that shot that hit the post and it should have been a penalty.

"He's been a leading light really in respect of people creating and scoring chances."

When Rodriguez scored his first league goal against Stoke City in the third game of the season, Pulis predicted he would reach double figures this season.

But the Burnley-born forward has gone seven games without a goal since then, and looked lost at times on the right wing. Pulis though, has no doubts about his finishing.

"He will score, if he gets in there he will score goals," he said.

Although City outclassed Albion in the end, it was a far more encouraging performance from the Baggies that included impressive displays from Gareth Barry in midfield and Ahmed Hegazi at the back.

"I don't like to pick people out," said Pulis. "Every one of those players has had a right go against a proper team."