West Brom 2 Middlesbrough 3 - Player ratings

Sam Johnstone

Was involved in the mix-up for the first goal, but it was more Barry's error than his. May feel he could have done better with Boro's first two goals but Saville's shot went through Dawson's legs and Assombalonga's was hit fiercely. Distribution improved overall. 6/10

Mason Holgate

Provided a dynamic attacking outlet on the right hand side, but got caught in possession a couple of times. Did well to calm down in the second half after picking up a yellow during a heated first period. Floated the ball in for Rodriguez to knock down to Gayle for his goal but caught out of position for Boro's second. 5/10

Craig Dawson

Was nutmegged by Saville for Boro's first goal and then beaten for pace by Assombalonga for their second. More composed on the ball, but couldn't stop his opponents when it mattered. 5/10

Ahmed Hegazi

The only Albion player in the top five winners of aerial battles on the day, he also had a memorable shot on target from 30 yards. Kept Jordan Hugill quiet for most of the game and looked comfortable in possession. 6/10

Kieran Gibbs

A slightly subdued performance from the usually marauding left-back, although it was one of his crosses which eventually led to Rodriguez's goal. Normally though, he found his route to the box blocked by several big men in red. 6/10

Rekeem Harper

Another mature performance from the teenager, who has now played the last five games and completed the last four. His scuffed shot fell to Rodriguez for the goal, but he also went close on two other occasions. A roulette in midfield was particularly memorable although he tired late on. 7/10

Gareth Barry

At fault for the first goal after a rare error, he failed to reach the high standards he's set himself over the past few weeks. Improved after half-time, but might have been taken off earlier. Will still be a crucial player this season though. 5/10

Sam Field

Another youngster who battled hard in midfield, he was willing to snap into the tackle and sought out the ball whenever he could. Deservedly kept his place in the team, and will probably play against Brighton too. 6/10

Dwight Gayle

Scored his 15th of the season, thanks to a deflection off Ryan Shotton, and made a nuisance of himself, but struggled to find too many pockets of space in Boro's defensive shell. Needs to be in the box more than out wide. 6/10

Jay Rodriguez

Snuck in at the back post with a poacher's finish for Albion's first, and also won the knock-down for Gayle to score the second. Found it frustrating at times against Boro's big back line, but had a big hand in both goals. 7/10

Hal Robson-Kanu

Worked hard up front, and gave Albion a physical presence with his back to goal. Showed some nimble footwork to evade defenders, and sent in some dangerous crosses, but can sometimes be guilty of holding onto the ball too long. 6/10

Substitutes

Jacob Murphy (Robson-Kanu 74)

Showed a bit of potential but surely more to come.

Jake Livemore (Barry 78)

Should have come on earlier.

Chris Brunt (Field 83)

A horrible way to mark his 400th game for the club.

Unused: Bond, Adarabioyo, Bartley, Montero