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West Brom 2 Luton 0 – Player Ratings

Albion ended a seven game winless run and returned to the top of the Championship after securing a 2-0 win over Luton on Saturday.

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Semi Ajayi of West Bromwich Albion celebrates after scoring a goal to make it 2-0 with team mates. (AMA)

Here we rate how the players performed.

Sam Johnstone

The keeper will be absolutely delighted to have registered a first home clean sheet of the season. Johnstone also showed his quick feet when he tricked his way past a Luton attacker. Difficult to score him higher than a six, though, as he didn't face a single shot on target. 6

Dara O'Shea

Over the course of the 90 minutes, Luton only managed to create one real clear-cut chance. But when they did, O'Shea was there to snuff out the danger with a wonderfully timed block. Another assured display from the Irishman who is growing in stature. 7

Kyle Bartley

After the disappointment of Cardiff, it was great to see Bartley back to his best here. The centre-back was dominant in the air and also shackled the threat of James Collins. Often seen flailing his arms around wildly in a bid to encourage his team mates, the 28-year-old was absolutely determined to get Albion back to winning ways. 8

Semi Ajayi

A fifth goal of the season for the defender who admitted post-match he'd love to surpass the eight he got for Rotherham last year. Much more steady than he has been in recent weeks, Ajayi was strong in the tackle and won countless second balls. 7

Conor Townsend

They had only trained together twice, but Townsend and Callum Robinson linked up impressively down Albion's left-handed side. The full-back was full of running throughout and stood up to the task well when Luton did have a spell of pressure in the second-half. 7

Jake Livermore

Albion's captain was absolutely magnificent. On a number of occasions, he was the furthest man forward such was his desire to press and defend from the front. Livermore also seemed to win every second ball and 50/50 challenge he was involved in. A real driving force. 8

Romaine Sawyers

The 28-year-old's intelligent passing is integral to how Albion play. And here he produced one defence-splitting ball, in particular, that was exquisite. But there were also a couple of times he ran into trouble inside his own box – something he needs to cut out. 6

Matt Phillips

The winger hasn't been at the races in recent weeks. Here, though, he looked dangerous every time he got on the ball. Phillips delivered one free-kick in the first half that was simply begging to be turned home. He tested Simon Sluga with some fierce efforts from distance. While his cross for Ajayi's goal was magnificent. Increased competition for places – following the arrivals of Kami Grosicki and Callum Robinson – seemed to bring the best out of him. 8

Filip Krovinovic

Guilty of giving the ball away a bit too much in the first-half, Krovinvovic improved after the break and can be pleased with his overall display. The Croatian linked play well by popping up in pockets of space. He also wasn't afraid to mix it physically and battle in midfield. 7

Callum Robinson

A debut to remember for the Sheffield United loanee who can claim an assist for Albion's opener. Robinson was a major threat throughout and hit the crossbar with an effort from distance. It was his football intelligence that was most impressive, though, with the 25-year-old seeming to always make the right decisions whenever he was on the ball. 8

Charlie Austin

The quietest of all Albion's outfield players, Austin worked his socks off for the team and did his best to drop deep and link-up play. But he wasn't presented with a chance his finishing qualities deserve and was subbed early in the second half. 6

Subs

Hal Robson-Kanu (for Austin 62) 7

Showed some lovely touches in an impressive cameo.

Darnell Furlong (for Phillips 77) 6

Deployed on the wing to help Albion see out the game.

Rekeem Harper (for Krovinovic 85) N/A

Not used: Bond, Hegazi, Edwards, Tulloch

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