Albion were collectively overpowered and outplayed by Aston Villa.

Pointing the finger at individuals can overlook the fact they might have been left in tough situations by failings of those around them.

But it was hard to find any shining lights from a galling early afternoon.

JASON STEELE 5/10

Few saves to make – and two he did were put back past him on the rebound. Seemed to be caught wrong-footed for two of the goals, one of which was subject of offside debate.

JOEL VELTMAN 4/10

The normally dependable defender had a bad day and seemed to be at full stretch even at the best of times. Twice culpable on the second goal.

ADAM WEBSTER 4/10

Struggled against the pace, movement and strength of Watkins right up until the final goal. Had a poor day and it is impossible to give anything other than a poor mark. But both he and Dunk might wonder about the situations they were being left in.

LEWIS DUNK 5/10

Was given a tough afternoon in front of Gareth Southgate and had little chance to get Albion playing from the back. Was keen to go longer and look for Mitoma’s runs in behind but Cash was alert to that ploy.

PERVIS ESTUPINAN 4/10

Might have changed the course of the game early on with a great run but weak finish. Never looked happy but was unfortunate with his own goal as a scruffy miscue from Diaby hit him.

BILLY GILMOUR 4/10

Started well enough with a superb pass to put Estupinan in but was snuffed out and culpable at times when Villa countered to great effect. But was he given too much to do?

The Argus:

JACK HINSHELWOOD 6/10

What a day to make your full debut. Part of a midfield which was overpowered but his short, simple passing was reliable enough and he looked to be a bit more ambitious late on.

SOLLY MARCH 5/10

Looked like he was fouled ahead of the third goal, then wasted a great chance to get Albion on the scoresheet by half-time. Had little to no joy down his flank.

DANNY WELBECK 5/10

Ahead of the game it seemed his best role could be as the frontman, holding the ball up and helping Albion get a foothold in a tough game. Instead, he had a rather anonymous half in behind Ferguson.

KAORU MITOMA 4/10

Caught out by Cash on the crucial first goal and failed to deliver from some decent positions out wide. A harsh yellow capped his day.

EVAN FERGUSON 5/10

A hard one to assess because he was barely in the game for his 45 minutes up front.

SUBS - JOAO PEDRO 6/10

Gave Albion an injection of life, movement and energy as soon as he went on at half-time. Played a big part in the goal which briefly lifted hopes but even he had faded by the closing stages.

ANSU FATI 6/10

After failing to convert some good chances of late, this first goal will do him some good. Looked bright for a while.

TARIQ LAMPTEY 5/10

Battled away gamely down the left-hand side.

SIMON ADINGRA N/A

Offered a little bit of promise down the right and went close with a shot.

CARLOS BALEBA N/A

Sent on for a few minutes - just long enough to be part of the midfield easily picked apart for the sixth Villa goal.

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