Albion player ratings in win at Newcastle

MATY RYAN 7

That tweet about him breaking the new North East lockdown laws by travelling to Newcastle for no reason was amusing but not quite right. He came for crosses to good effect and talked his defenders through it as usual - but had no serious saves to make.

BEN WHITE 8

Good defensively in a three or at right-back in a four and showed more of his passing range than we had seen in previous outings. Looks at home.

LEWIS DUNK 7

One very unusual mistake which should have cost a goal when he allowed Wilson a point-blank header which was sent over the bar. Otherwise very sound.

ADAM WEBSTER 8

Very secure against a side with some dangerous attacking options. Started on the left of a three and ended up at right-sided centre-back in a four-man defence. A good piece of shadowing and closing down when Wilson looked like he might get away in the first half stands out in the memory.

TARIQ LAMPTEY 9

The talk of the Toon from minute one as the driving force behind Albion’s high-powered start. He had already sent in a dangerous low cross by the time his run forced the crucial early penalty. Was involved in everything of note in the first half, including the second goal, a goal-saving tackle, almost forcing an own goal and a low shot which tested Darlow late in the half. When Albion broke away on a counter, he was their furthest player forward and looked to be clean through until a slightly mis-directed touch on the run let him down. Two players were booked for fouling him and one of potentially Newcastle’s best attackers spent the first half in a bewildered state trying to stop the right wing-back, in the process of which he suffered an injury which forced him out of the game. If you’re nit-picking, he was the man who played Wilson onside before making that tackle and he might have teed up Maupay when he shot. But he was a shoo-in for man of the match even though he only played an hour.

YVES BISSOUMA 7

Such a shame to see him pick up a needless and unfortunate red card with the game well and truly won because he was excellent again. With Alzate, has been given a lot of responsibility. Albion need those two in midfield to be good as they push two wing-backs on and play with three attackers.

STEVEN ALZATE 8

Made his debut here as a wing-back last season but prefers this position in the middle and was good on the ball.

SOLLY MARCH 7

Is in pole position to make the left wing-back spot his own and that will continue to be the case all the time he combines this defensive diligence and eye to move forward. Versatility which allows him to pretty seamlessly switch from from left wing-back to the right of midfield will not harm his cause.

LEANDRO TROSSARD 8

A goal in his first game of the season, an assist in his second. Played the precise pass which set up Maupay for a finish not unlike that the Belgian scored at Norwich last season. Later hit the post as he continues to add proper end product to the skills and promise. Used wide right and then wide left.

AARON CONNOLLY 8

The fact he can play wide or through the middle is ideal for Potter’s tactical flexibility. He prefers the central role but his last three goals have all come when moving in from the left. Became more of a factor in the game as it went on and his finish was expertly done.

NEAL MAUPAY 8

Put Albion firmly in command with his two early goals. Yes, one was a penalty. But it was a confident and composed conversion given his two previous spot kicks had both been saved. A really subtle finish for the second and played his part in the team performance.

SUBS

DAN BURN 7

Sent on at left-back when Lamptey departed and looked sound enough. Was patient and wise to avoid diving in as Almiron looked to force a penalty.

ADAM LALLANA

Touches of class after going on as sub and played a notable part in the third goal.

ALIREZA JAHANBAKHSH

Might have added the fourth during his brief run out.