Aston Villa 2 West Brom 1 - Albion player ratings

Sam Johnstone

Rooted to the spot for Conor Hourihane’s goal and sent the wrong way for Tammy Abraham’s penalty but did make four saves in total, and crucially, held on to all of them. Nothing was spilled back into the danger zone. Distribution was reassuringly no-nonsense. 6/10

Mason Holgate

Given a bit of a tough time by Anwar El Ghazi in the first half, as the winger got beyond him too many times, but was part of a back five which defended resolutely in the main part. Shuttled over to centre-back at half-time, and slotted in nicely. 6/10

Craig Dawson

Tried to play through dizziness and sickness, but had to be brought off at half-time. Before that, he had looked in the mood, and let very little go past him. Losing him was a blow, but hopefully he can recover in time for the second leg and pick up from where he left off. 6/10

Kyle Bartley

A key part of Albion’s back line that frustrated Villa for so long, he was disciplined throughout and won a number of key headers. Nearly scored with a header at the back post when found by a Brunt corner. Had little involvement in either goal. 7/10

Ahmed Hegazi

A rock at the back who seemed magnetically drawn to the ball, particularly in the first half. With Hegazi in this mood, nothing gets past him. One foray up the right flank and cross-field pass to Gayle was also memorable. More of the same tomorrow would be welcome. 8/10

Kieran Gibbs

Dived in for the penalty, even if there was little contact on Grealish. Even though he defended well for the rest of the game, it will be that moment which unfortunately he will be remembered for in this game. Going to ground like that is always dangerous. 5/10

Matt Phillips

Started his first game in more than two months, and at times, you could tell. Although there was no doubting his desire and effort, Phillips just didn’t look completely match sharp. Perhaps he should have started against Derby the previous weekend. 5/10

Stefan Johansen

Did a sterling job on Jack Grealish for most of the game and also pressed Villa high up the pitch. He was one of the few midfielders to support Gayle up front and got about the pitch admirably. Played through a tight calf for as long as he could. 7/10

Chris Brunt

Battled hard in central midfield, particularly in the first half, when he won the ball back before shuttling it forward to Gayle. His experienced head helped in the pressure-cooker environment of Villa Park and his corners were dangerous. 6/10

Jay Rodriguez

Nearly scored early on with a curled effort that was pushed onto the bar and while he may not have threatened the goal after that, he did plenty of dirty work down the left hand side for his team. But all eyes will be on him for the second leg, because he’s the only senior striker left available and Albion need to win. 7/10

Dwight Gayle

Where to start? Arguably Albion’s man of the match, and he took his goal with typical clinical precision. Then two harsh, but ultimately avoidable bookings and all of a sudden, his season is over. Hopefully that’s not the last time we see Gayle in an Albion shirt, but you fear it could be... 7/10

Substitutes

Tyrone Mears (Dawson 45)

Solid at right-back for most of the second half. 6/10

Jacob Murphy (Phillips 66)

Rarely threatened, although he might have, had Gayle found him on the counter. 5/10

James Morrison (Johansen 85)

Not on for long, but laid on the dangerous cross which ended up with Gayle being sent off. 6/10

Not used: Bond, Townsend, Field, Montero.