Exeter City 0 West Brom 2 - Albion player ratings

BEN FOSTER

Breathed a huge sigh of relief just before half-time after a rare fumble gave Jayden Stockley a two-yard tap-in that he somehow hit the post with. The cross took a small deflection, and the pitch was greasy, but he still should have done better. 5/10

ALLAN NYOM

A pretty comfortable game for the stand-in right-back who also posed a few questions going forward. Encouraging. 6/10

GARETH MCAULEY

Played for the first time under Alan Pardew and put in the sort of performance that suggests he’s still got it at the age of 38. Yes it was League Two opposition, but he was confident in possession and his decision-making was spot on. 8/10

AHMED HEGAZI

Neither centre-back put a foot wrong but the Egyptian probably shaded it thanks to some monumental defending in the last 20 minutes. Some no-nonsense clearances and headers kept the scoreline comfortable and made sure it never got too nervy. Had a goal disallowed too and even showed off his skills with a Cristiano Ronaldo-style flip-flap on the left wing. 8/10

KIERAN GIBBS

Had to withdraw early with a muscle strain. 5/10

JAMES MCCLEAN

Set up Rondon’s goal and won the penalty. Was a constant outlet on the wing. With Oliver Burke deemed a work in progress, his pace is vital when Matt Phillips is injured. 7/10

GARETH BARRY

Controlled the midfield with short, sharp passes but also had the energy to get up and down the pitch. Continues to impress under Pardew. 8/10

GRZEGORZ KRYCHOWIAK

Kept his place from in the team and put in one of his better games in an Albion shirt. Looks like there is a future for him under Pardew this season. 7/10

CHRIS BRUNT

Mr Consistent and Mr Versatile wrapped into one. Had the joint-highest pass success rate of the team alongside Barry and moved from left wing to left back when Gibbs went off. 7/10

JAY RODRIGUEZ

Poached a welcome goal and also slipped McClean in to win the penalty. Dangerous in the first half but tailed off after the break. He was then part of the penalty farce. 7/10

SALOMON RONDON

Took his goal well with less than 90 seconds gone, side-footing his effort into the top corner. But that was the only shot he managed and he shouldn’t have tried to take the penalty off Rodriguez, although he did hold the ball up well. 6/10

Substitutes

Hal Robson-Kanu (Gibbs 12)

Duffed his penalty tamely down the middle, missed a one-on-one, and was dispossessed more than anyone else on the pitch. It was an infuriating performance against lower-league opposition but at least his work ethic remains. 3/10

Sam Field (Rodriguez 69)

Showcased a couple of nice turns in midfield and looked impressive. 6/10

Jake Livermore (Krychowiak 79)

Was given a rousing reception by the away end after the West Ham incident. 6/10

Unused: Myhill, Yacob, Burke, Leko.