Albion put consecutive away day defeats behind them as they eased past new potential boss Alex Neil's Preston.
A Dwight Gayle hattrick and a Jay Rodriguez strike before half time saw Albion breeze past Preston.
Here's our player ratings:
Sam Johnstone: Unlucky not to get an assist to his name in one excellent kick to set Johansen free. Looked much comfortalbe clearing the ball rather than trying to pick a pass. 6/10
Mason Holgate: Given more license to attack than in recent weeks and looked far more threatening. Had the beatening of his oppostite full-back all game and always offered an outlet down the right. 8/10
Craig Dawson: One of those games where he could've played with a pair of slippers on. Helped by Preston only playing with one forward, but looked solid enough and was comfortable in possesion. 7/10
Kyle Bartley: Another who looked more comfortable when asked to do the basics of defending rather than being a platform for attacks. Headed anything away and put his body in the way when required. 7/10
Ahmed Hegazi: Seemed to enjoy the physical battle in the first half before he limped off after the break. 6/10
Kieran Gibbs: A welcome return for 'Gibbo' who bought balance to Albion's attacks and a wise head when in possesion. The hour on the pitch will benefit him as the season comes to an end. 6/10
Chris Brunt: The wand delivered a stunning ball for Albion's first and played a part in the fourth as well. Always wanted the ball and pressed his opponents when out of possesion. 8/10
Jake Livermore: Another who stuck to the basics. Bossed the midfield but did uncharacteristically back out of a few challenges. 6/10
Stefan Johansen: His best performance in an Albion shirt. Grew into the game when pushed forward against Bristol City and continued where he left off against Preston. Slotted in Rodriguez with a wonderful pass and was unlucky not to get his name on the scoresheet. 9/10
Dwight Gayle: Back to his best with three different types of goals to take home the matchball. His controlled finish set Albion on their way before he rolled one under the keeper for his second. Showed real bravery to head home his third. 10/10.
Jay Rodriguez: Looked far more comfortable playing up top in a two than being pushed out to the left or when dropping into midfield. Looked a threat all afternoon and took his goal well on the eve of half-time. 7/10.
SUBS
Tosin Adarabioyo: Didn't have much to do but always took command on the odd occasion Preston pressed forward. 6/10
Matt Phillips: Would Albion be higher up the league had Phillips not been injured from January onwards? Probably not. Showed his importance when his power and directy running from midfield in his second half cameo. 7/10
Connor Townsend: Another who didn't have much to do with the game over by the time he entered the field. 6/10.