WEST BROM (4-2-3-1):
Foster 6; Nyom 6, Dawson 6, McAuley 6, Brunt 7; Fletcher 8, Yacob 7; PHILLIPS 9, Morrison 7 (Livermore 71), Chadli 7 (McClean 81); Rondon 6 (Robson-Kanu 87).
Subs (not used): Myhill (gk), Olsson, Leko, Field.
SUNDERLAND (3-5-1-1):
6 Mannone: Might have done better in the build-up to Brunt’s goal but had no chance with Fletcher’s and made few other mistakes
5 Denayer: No major individual howlers but must take his share of the blame for the general failings of the Sunderland defence
5 O’Shea: Beaten too easily by Phillips before Brunt’s goal and generally looked troubled by West Brom’s pace and movement
4 Djilobodji: Poor defending on a number of occasions compounded by the strike on Fletcher that will probably lead to a ban
6 Jones: Fortunate not to concede a penalty for an early grapple with Rondon but showed plenty of energy and tried to get forward
6 Larsson: Looked composed and solid in possession but was never creative enough to unlock the West Brom defence
5 Rodwell: Deployed in the holding midfield role but was unable to either stop West Brom’s attacking midfielders or start off attacks
7 HONEYMAN: The pick of the Sunderland side, showing energy and drive and looking confident with the ball at his feet
6 Van Aanholt: Looked good at times going forwards but lost his bearings when allowing Fletcher the space to open the scoring
5 Januzaj: Never found the space or came up with the trickery to give Sunderland the creative spark he was there to provide
5 Defoe: Never looked likely to add to his impressive goal tally, although in his defence he was starved of decent service
Subs:
6 Anichebe (for Januzaj, 66): Put himself about despite taking a blow but never threatened a goal
Borini (for Denayer, 79)
(not used): Mika (gk), Love, E Robson, T Robson, Embleton.
Man Of The Match: MATT PHILLIPS – The West Brom winger caused a host of problems down West Brom’s right flank, and linked up effectively with full-back Allan Nyom.
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