WBA-MAD Player Ratings: Preston 2 Albion 3

Albion took to the top of the Championship after their third straight league win. The Baggies took pole position after a 3-2 victory against the Championship's bottom side. 

Here's how we rated Albion's players: 

Sam Johnstone: Could do little with either goal and made some smart saves. Distribution was also improved. 6/10. 

Craig Dawson: Looked more comfortable on the ball and was rarely troubled at Deep Dale. Solid display. 7/10. 

Ahmed Hegazi: Had one odd moment when he played the ball out for a corner which almost led to a goal. Decent display otherwise. 7/10. 

Kyle Bartley: Unlucky not to score with a point-blank header in the first half. Still looks a little unsure at the back. 6/10. 

Tyrone Mears: Struggled to offer the same outlet as Phillips does in that role. Albion may have to consider alternatives if Phillips is out for any lengthy period. 6/10. 

Kieran Gibbs: Solid enough both in defence and going forward without doing anything spectacular. 6/10. 

Gareth Barry: Kept the ball ticking over as he does and broke up play where possible. 6/10. 

Jake Livermore: Set up Albion's first with a great cross. Impossed himself on the game throughout. Good display overall. 7/10. 

Harvey Barnes: Isn't finding the same amount of space he does at home. Needs to add another element to his game away from The Hawthorns to influence games. Subbed. 6/10. 

Jay Rodriguez: Lovely header to put Albion ahead. Another all-action display from Albion's leading scorer. 7/10. 

Dwight Gayle: Scored a fantastic 25-yard free kick to put the game out of Preston's reach. Also unlucky not to win a spot kick when he was adjudged to be marginally offside. 7/10. 


Chris Brunt: Replaced Barry in midfield and controlled the game as Preston pressed for another equaliser. 6/10. 

Hal Robson-Kanu: Came on with 20 minutes to go but failed to make any real impact on the game. 5/10. 

Sam Field: A tactical switch late on to waste a few seconds. Little impact on the time he was on the field (excuse the pun).