West Brom 2 Millwall 0 - Player ratings

Sam Johnstone

Had to be bailed out by Craig Dawson in the first half when he came off his line and kicked the ball straight at Jed Wallace, but apart from that he was solid.

Kept his first clean sheet of the season, saved well, and his distribution, with both hands and feet, was good. 6/10

Craig Dawson

Cleared one off the line in the first half and defended resolutely throughout. Didn’t shy away from the battle with Steve Morison, and used the ball much better when in possession.

He was the most regular outlet for the back three this time. 7/10

Ahmed Hegazi

A reassuring performance from the big Egyptian. His decision making was far more sensible, and he made sure of his backpasses to Johnstone without putting the keeper under pressure.

Won a match-high seven headers and looked more comfortable on the ball. 8/10

Kyle Bartley

Considering he plays on the left, Bartley has drawn the short straw of the back three, but he was much more composed here.

Used the ball sensibly, and won some important aerial battles. Nine games into the new system, there are signs of improvement. 7/10

Matt Phillips

Forced off in the 65th minute, but before that, he looked the most likely person to create an opening for the hosts.

His physical presence is superior to most, and he won the ball back importantly in the first half when Millwall broke away. An important player in this system. 6/10

Chris Brunt

Brought back into the side in place of Gareth Barry and improved as the game wore on after a jittery start.

Consistently tried to look forward and find Barnes, and looked after possession better than in recent weeks. His corner led to the first goal. 7/10

Jake Livermore

Tried to get Albion going in a flat first half by passing and moving, and played Phillips in behind with a delicate chip early on.

It may have lacked sparkle, but it was a solid all-round performance from the central midfielder. When he plays well, the Baggies tend to win. 7/10

Kieran Gibbs

Put the game beyond doubt with a clinical finish into the bottom far corner and rarely looked troubled on the left wing.

In possession, there are few better in the league, but he was better out of possession here, and allowed fewer crosses to get in than he did on Tuesday. 8/10

Harvey Barnes

There was a hint of After the Lord Mayor’s Show about Barnes’s performance.

Unable to hit the stratospheric heights he set on Tuesday night against a far more adventurous Bristol City side. Nearly scored after a neat one-two with Rodriguez. 6/10

Jay Rodriguez

Tracked back well and kept showing for the ball when Brunt and Livermore had it, but like the rest of the team, struggled to break down Millwall for most of the match.

Nearly got himself through on goal with a nice piece of skill late on, but the second defender stopped him. 6/10

Dwight Gayle

Dial G for goals. When Albion needed someone to break the deadlock, he was the poacher in the right place at the right time.

With five already this season, he currently has more league goals than his parent club Newcastle. Oh and he’s won four penalties too. 7/10

Substitutes

Tyrone Mears (Phillips 65)

His cross led to the second. 6/10

Wes Hoolahan (Barnes 78)

Composed on the ball. 6/10

Tosin Adarabioyo (Gayle 88)

Saw the game out. 5/10

Unused subs: Myhill, Barry, Field, Robson-Kanu