Albion had to work hard for victory at Stoke City.

But they were running away with the third-round tie by the closing stages.

This is how they rated as individuals amid a team performance which carried more threat as the match wore on.

Bart Verbruggen 7/10

Made a good save away to his right and his handling was decent enough. Nothing he could do about the two goals which went past him.

Jack Hinshelwood 7/10

Is listed here as if he were a right-back but he was generally further forward than that. Offered some width on the right.

Jan Paul van Hecke 7/10

Obviously loses a mark for a clumsy own goal but he was otherwise really good again with his willingness to get the ball down and stride forward, notably as part of the third and fourth goals, an eye-catching feature.

Lewis Dunk 7/10

A bit like van Hecke, a positive moment in attack to cancel out his part in Stoke’s opener. Did some good defending when required and, whatever the latest intricacies and interpretation of the handball law, football instinct makes one think he was a bit unlucky on the penalty.

Pervis Estupinan 8/10

Has returned to the side as a goalscorer as he added his second stunner in three matches. Was good again in build-up play, including his part in the second goal. Is enabling Albion to play a back three, although that takes something away from his own trademark forward raids out wide.

Billy Gilmour 7/10

Buzzed around and seems to be developing his eye for a killer pass. His sharp work set up the platform for Estupinan’s goal and he was increasingly precise from that moment.

Pascal Gross 8/10

So much talk about so many players that it was initially easy to overlook his huge part in three goals. Was still chasing hard to close down Stoke defenders in the final few minutes of this gruelling period of fixtures.

Facundo Buonanotte 7/10

Was the first to really get on the ball and start committing opponents. Things did not always happen for him and he picked up another needless yellow card. But one pass to Moder stood out and his increasing responsibility and confidence within the team is good to see.

Joao Pedro 9/10

How good can he be if played for 90 minutes? The question is a slightly ironic reference to De Zerbi' point that he took too long to get going. But he scored twice in open play for the first time and was a real threat – including a couple of first-half moments.

Jakub Moder 6/10

Was not always at home in his left-sided role, which he was given out of necessity, but will be delighted with the start and got into some good positions.

Evan Ferguson 6/10

A willing runner and looked to get in behind the defence but for little reward – and the ball was nicked away from when it seemed things had opened up at last.

SUBS – Danny Welbeck 6/10

Caused plenty of problems but will probably feel he should have scored.

Adam Webster 6/10

More valuable minutes and looked comfortable.

Adam Lallana, Carlos Baleba, Jack Hinchy, Cam Peupion all N/A