West Bromwich Albion earned their second consecutive win with a comprehensive 4-0 victory over Burnley. It was the kind of performance that West Brom fans have been craving from Tony Pulis' side, as they moved the ball quickly and attacked with pace throughout.
Even though key player Nacer Chadli was once again absent through injury, West Brom looked the most dangerous they have looked all season going forward, looking as if they'd score every time there was an attack.
Positives
The main positive was that Pulis persisted with the style of play that proved successful at Leicester, retaining their defensive shape but also allowing the likes of Matt Phillips and James Morrison to roam freely with the full backs pushing on to fill any gaps in the wide area. Morrison's and Brunt's continued resurgence in form is also a huge bonus, as West Brom use the ball so much better with those two veterans in the side.
Negatives
It is hard to pick out any negatives after one of West Brom's most dominant performances in their Premier League history. Arguably, it would be that they took their foot off the gas in the second half and allowed Burnley a couple of rare sights at goal, but that is really nit-picking. It would have been nice to have seen youngster Jonathan Leko given a chance from the bench without any pressure on him.
Manager rating out of 10
8 -- Once Chadli was ruled out, Pulis didn't really have any big selection decisions left to make, as keeping the same side from the win at Leicester was a simple decision. Credit must be given to Pulis for persisting with the same style, as too often during his tenure West Brom have produced the kind of performance their squad is capable of only to then resort to type in the next game.
Player ratings (1-10; 10 = best. Players introduced after 70 minutes get no rating)
GK Ben Foster, 6 -- Had very little to do throughout the game, making a couple of routine saves in the second half once the game was already over.
DF Craig Dawson, 7 -- Had very little to do defensively but was very effective going forward, winning headers in the wide area as he became the target of Foster's goal kicks.
DF Gareth McAuley, 6 -- Given one of his toughest challenges of the season by the physical presence of Sam Vokes. Endured a couple of shaky moments in the first half but gained confidence as the game went on, headlined by one rampaging run forward.
DF Jonny Evans, 7 -- A simpler game for Evans than his Northern Ireland teammate, as he mopped up any headers that Vokes won. Made one excellent tackle in his own box in the second half.
DF Allan Nyom, 7 -- Defended efficiently with very little threat coming his way. Like Dawson, consistently got forward to support the wide players and provided the assist on Salomon Rondon's goal.
MF Chris Brunt, 9 -- While the goal-scorers will get most of the plaudits, Brunt was simply superb on the right=hand side of midfield. He hardly gave the ball away all game, always looking to get it moving forward with clever passes. Coolness personified in possession.
MF Claudio Yacob, 6 -- Not the type of game where Yacob's hustle and bustle was really required. Did the few defensive duties he had to with minimal fuss and was smart enough to give the ball to his more technically gifted teammates.
MF Darren Fletcher, 7 -- Starting to look more like his old self, dominating the middle of the park. His passing was far more accurate, and there were fewer errors in crucial areas of the pitch. Always looked to support Rondon and grabbed himself his first goal of the season.
MF James Morrison, 9 -- The level of performances delivered by Morrison in recent weeks makes you wonder why Pulis was so reluctant to use him earlier in the season. A constant threat in the final third and always made the right decision to shoot, pass or take on his man. Good finish for the goal, will have been disappointed with the chance he missed.
MF Matt Phillips, 8 -- A constant menace as he was given a free role. Finished well to give West Brom the lead and provided a superb floated ball with his wrong foot to create Fletcher's goal.
FW Salomon Rondon, 9 -- The Venezuelan international gave Michael Keane and Ben Mee a torrid time. Harassed them in possession, held the ball up with great strength and demonstrated a surprising turn of pace as he ran the channels and got himself a well-deserved goal.
Substitutes
MF James McClean, NR -- Continued where Phillips left off as he looked to beat the full-back and get the ball into the box.
MF Craig Gardner, NR -- Unlucky not to score with a long-distance strike in the few minutes he was on the pitch.
FWD Hal Robson-Kanu, NR -- There were a few neat touches and pieces of hold-up play from the Welshman. He looks as if he could be an able deputy for Rondon if needed.