How Albion players rated versus Aston Villa.

Robert Sanchez 8/10

Produced perhaps his best save of the season to push away a Coutinho free-kick and also pulled off a strong first-half block in a good performance.

Joel Veltman 6/10

Has been so consistent so his misjudgement on the second goal stood out. May well have saved a goal in the first half with a great block at close range.

Lewis Dunk 6/10

Started in the middle of a three on his return from a ban and had a generally steady afternoon, although a short back pass almost cost a goal.

Marc Cucurella 6/10

Albion understandably wanted to play a wing-back system but the Catch 22 was that circumstances meant it entailed using one of their best wing-backs on the left of the three. Did not show the best of himself and complaints over his yellow card were hard to fathom. A pass to release March was his highlight.

Tariq Lamptey 7/10

Had some attacking joy in the first half and again when Albion pressed late on. But with no end product which stuck in the memory.

Yves Bissouma 6/10

It seems easy to criticise him at a time when his performances are not at their highest but he was okay here, while not as dominant as he can be. A bit unlucky to be booked.

Alexis Mac Allister 6/10

Fired too high when he had a great chance to beat his compatriot Martinez but was quite lively in central midfield.

Solly March 7/10

Started down the left, switched to the right and, while delivery was mixed, he was at the origin of Albion’s two chances of note, for Mac Allister and Welbeck. Question marks over his closing down of Cash on the opening goal.

Jakub Moder 6/10

Drifted into some handy spaces at times during Albion’s brightest spell in the first half.

Leandro Trossard 5/10

Is still not at his best. Brightest moment came when he dropped very deep to get on the ball in the first half.

Neal Maupay 6/10

Mustered the one on-target attempt though it did not really rest Martinez. Tried to get involved in build-up play, including a flick for Mac Allister, but it was generally a frustrating afternoon.

Sub - Danny Welbeck 5/10

His arrival offered Albion a different dimension and Villa a different problem. But he headed a great chance wide.