West Brom 7 QPR 1 - Player ratings

SAM JOHNSTONE

Not much he could have done about the goal, and he was a spectator for most of the second half. But most important was his impressive distribution that kick-started many of Albion’s attacks. Capable of clipping the ball over the press to the wingbacks when needed. 7/10

TOSIN ADARABIOYO

Started at right centre-back before switching to a central role. Looked comfortable on the ball, which you would expect from a Manchester City player, and won the majority of his headers. His attributes seem to suit a back three, and deserves to keep his place. 7/10

AHMED HEGAZI

Won a match-high six headers, and looked far less jittery at the back than previous games. Enjoys marauding at the best of times, so having two centre-backs alongside him provides a bit of protection. Albion still need to defend set-pieces better though. 7/10

KYLE BARTLEY

Had to be bandaged up after cutting his head, but he soldiered on and continues to improve. Was willing to be brave on the ball and even though he picked up a booking in the first half after over-running it on one occasion, he managed his game well after that. 7/10

MATT PHILLIPS

Scored twice against his former club and celebrated with refreshing passion. Continues his fine start to the season going forward, but do not underestimate his willingness to track back and do his defensive duties as a wing-back. A crucial cog in the machine. 9/10

JAKE LIVERMORE

An absolute lesson in how to play central midfield. Made a match-high six tackles, some of which led directly to goals, and made clever, incisive passes forward which also led to goals. Benefited from having a No.10 in front of him, and a balanced trio in the centre. 9/10

CHRIS BRUNT

Picked up an early booking after being caught in possession, but sent a few testing long balls over the top for Gayle in the first half. Had a hand in Gayle’s goal too, and may not have caught the eye as much as others, but he kept Albion ticking over at the base of midfield. 7/10

KIERAN GIBBS

Arguably his best performance in Albion colours. Relished his new licence to get forward, scored his first goal for the club, and set up Gayle’s first too. Looks like he’s been kicked into gear by the competition from Conor Townsend. A great outlet in the first half too. 8/10

HARVEY BARNES

What a signing Barnes is turning into. Two-footed and capable of drifting past defenders at ease, the 20-year-old is a star in the making. He was the catalyst of Albion’s first two goals, before QPR capitulated and made it easy, and looked unplayable in his new-found central role. Only shame is that he's just on loan. 9/10

JAY RODRIGUEZ

Both of his goals may have been penalties, but they still need to be put away and Rodriguez has now scored three spot-kicks in two games, which is no mean feat. It’s four goals in total for him, and his partnership with Gayle is blossoming. 8/10

DWIGHT GAYLE

The resounding standing ovation he received when he went off told its own story. Won two more penalties (after earning one at Norwich) with his endless and tenacious running, and got off the mark with a well-deserved goal himself. Never gives up. On anything. And has the quality to make the difference when he gets there. 9/10

Substitutes

Gareth Barry (Brunt 73)

Took a couple of minutes to get upto speed but can look after possession well. 6/10

Hal Robson-Kanu (Gayle 83)

Managed to score a goal and set one up in just seven minutes. 8/10

James Morrison (Barnes 86)

Played a one-two with Livermore before finding Robson-Kanu for the seventh. 7/10