West Bromwich Albion 2 - Wigan Athletic 0

Brendan Clegg:

A fairly routine victory for us.

We started brightly and seemed to stretch Wigan well as we pushed forward. Our first goal was a decent move with JRod finishing his header well but it cost us Gayle who left the pitch holding his hamstring - I doubt we’ll see him until the end of Jan.

HRK came in and we were still on top but I thought we started playing like we were 4 up - a bit too much show boating and over playing.

We let Wigan back into it for the last bit of the first half but they didn’t have the quality to do anything about it.

Second half was more of the same and we needed a 2nd goal - it eventually came via a JRod 20 yard half volley smash.

It wasn’t really ever in doubt even though Wigan hit the post late on - however disappointment came late after the game as both Norwich and Leeds, both losing as I left the ground, both managed to rescue results.

No real complaints - I’d still rather see young players get minutes, and given Gayle’s injury we’re going to need Sako to it be so rusty but these aren’t major gripes.

Credit to Moore and his staff. We’re on the right track and starting to win games with far greater control and less jeopardy.

• SJ - 6 Not much to do but solid enough.
• Tosin - 5 Had a bit of a beast. Sloppy.
• Dawson - 7 turning in the solid performances regularly.
• Hegazi - 7 Another very decent and aerially dominant display.
• Gibbs - 6 Cruised again - just the right side of casual.
• Phillips - 7 Usual pace and power but deliveries were below par.
• Barry - 8 Totally ran the game. Found pockets, linked it, won 2nd balls.
• Livermore - 7 Another decent display. Covered the ground and gave it to Barry.
• Gayle - 6 Made the first goal, will be a miss.
• JRod - 7 Worked hard and 2 decent goals.
• Barnes - 6 Nothing fully came off but always a threat.

• HRK - 6 Caused problems, played at his own pace.
• Mozza & Brunt - 6 Did their jobs.