WBA-MAD Player Ratings: Albion 2 Boro 3

Last updated : 03 February 2019 By Wba-mad Editor

Albion lost ground in the hunt for automatic promotion after a disappointing 3-2 defeat to Tony Pulis' Middlesbrough side. 

Defensive mistakes from the experienced Gareth Barry and Chris Brunt saw Albion first come from a goal down to concede twice in the final 15 minutes. 

Here's our match ratings: 

Sam Johnstone: May have done better with Boro's second but can't be blamed for Albion's first. His pass to Barry was a simple one the midfielder simply lost track of. 6/10

Mason Holgate: Not as impressive in recent weeks and was caught out of position a few times as Boro broke. Needed to get to the byline to make an impact with his crosses but instead found the first man on a number of occasions. 6/10

Craig Dawson: Really struggled with Hugil's physicality in the first half. Was also caught out twice in 1-on-1 situations for Boro's first and third goals. Not a great afternoon for the defender. 5/10

Ahmed Hegazi: Looked assured throughout and didn't shirk any battle. Albion's best defender on the pitch. 7/10

Kieran Gibbs: Another who was guily of just lifting crosses into the area when low attempts would've worked better. Still managed to set up Albion's first but struggled to get a foot-hold in the game. 6/10

Gareth Barry: Was targetted early by Boro's midfielders who pressed whenever he got the ball. His uncharacteristic error not only led to the visitor's first but seemed to effect Albion's captain. A day to forget. 5/10

Rekeem Harper: Crazy to think he's only 18. Harper was superb in Albion's midfield and drove the Baggies forward throughout. His mis-kick set up Albion's first. He'll be some player when he grows up. 8/10

Sam Field: Another who wasn't afraid to put his body in the way. Worked the ball well as you'd expect but tired towards the end. 6/10

Dwight Gayle: Looked lost and isolated at times stuck out on the left wing. Still managed to pop up with a goal, but questions need to be asked if it's his best role in the side. 6/10

Jay Rodriguez: Got Albion back into the game and then set up Gayle with a terrific leap at the far post to beat two defenders. Link up play was much better as well than recent weeks. 7/10

Hal Robson-Kanu: Battled it out with Boro's defenders and worked well with Harper and Holgate down Albion's right. Still doesn't offer enough of a threat in front of goal though. 6/10

SUBS

Jacob Murphy: Some flashes of quality but failed to make any real impact. Could be a decent addition if used correctly. 6/10

Jake Livermore: Should've been brought on earlier to replace Barry and give fresh legs in midfield. Another who struggled to make any impact from the bench. 5/10

Chris Brunt: Oh Chris! What did you do. Brunt's cock-up on his 400th apperance cost Albion at least a point. A strange error from Brunty with his first touch of the game. Head obviously dropped after such a clanger. 4/10.