West Brom 0-3 Aston Villa: Player Ratings as Sam Allardyce Reign Begins With Defeat

Bertrand Traore registered a goal and an assist as Aston Villa ruined Sam Allardyce's return to the dugout with a 3-0 win over West Brom at The Hawthorns.

The visitors took the lead inside five minutes when Anwar El Ghazi finished Traore's cross cleverly, before the Baggies were reduced to ten men when captain Jake Livermore was dismissed on the half-hour mark for scything down Jack Grealish.

After the break, West Brom defended well and broke with some regularity. But they were unable to carve out many clear cut chances, while Villa also threatened with Ollie Watkins having a goal ruled out for offside.

The visitors eventually broke down the Baggies' stubborn resistance, adding two late goals in the final six minutes. The first was scored by Traore, who rolled the ball past the a stricken Sam Johnstone, before El Ghazi converted a penalty after Grealish was fouled in the box.

Here are your player ratings for both teams...

West Brom

1. Goalkeeper & Defenders

Sam Johnstone (GK) - 7/10 - Made several good saves in the second half to keep the hosts in it.

Darnall Furlong (RB) - 5/10 - Lost El Ghazi at the back post for the goal and generally had a rough time of it against Grealish.

Semi Ajayi (CB) - 6/10 - Dug in well in the second half, registering eight clearances. Conceded a late penalty out of frustration.

Dara O'Shea (CB) - 6/10 - A solid display throughout, and more than played his part in limiting Villa's openings for much of the second half.

Kieran Gibbs (LB) - 6/10 - Was kept busy by the impressive Traore. Perhaps could have stopped the cross that led to the goal.

2. Midfielders

Jake Livermore (DM) - 3/10 - Completely unnecessary foul left his side in the lurch.

Matt Phillips (RM) - 6/10 - Tried his best to offer his side an outlet on the counter.

Romaine Sawyers (CM) - 6/10 - Played his part defensively but needed to show a shade more calmness on the ball at times.

Conor Gallagher (CM) - 6/10 - Extremely tidy in possession, registering close to 100% pass completion. Should have taken more risks though.

Grady Diangana (LM) - 5/10 - Worked hard but offered little in terms of an attacking threat.

3. Forward

Karlan Grant (ST) - 6/10 - Fought bravely despite being starved of service. Never stopped running.

4. Substitutes

Charlie Austin - 5/10 - Touched it three times after coming on.

Branislav Ivanovic - 5/10 - Did nothing of note.

Callum Robinson - N/A

Aston Villa

5. Goalkeepers & Defenders

Emiliano Martinez (GK) - 7/10 - Helped defend against the Baggies' threat on the counter by sweeping up several long balls.

Matty Cash (RB) - 7/10 - Did some important covering when West Brom threatened on the break, and looked dangerous overlapping Traore.

Kortney Hause (CB) - 6/10 - Somewhat fortunate not to see red for a reckless challenge on Diangana.

Tyrone Mings (CB) - 7/10 - Never threatened defensively, but will be the first to admit that his distribution wasn't his best.

Matt Targett (LB) - 7/10 - Did well in the air, winning countless headers. Always a threat going forward.

6. Midfielders

Douglas Luiz (CM) - 7/10 - Kept possession circulating at the base of midfield.

John McGinn (CM) - 8/10 - Tireless performance. Supported his side in attack and made four tackles.

Jack Grealish (AM) - 8/10 - Impressed again in his new free role, drawing plenty of fouls. Incisive with his passing, Grealish seems to be getting better and better under the microscope of many.

7. Forwards

Bertrand Traore (RW) - 9/10 - Lively throughout. Great ball in for the opening goal and his finish was superb.

Ollie Watkins (ST) - 7/10 - Some great movement was nearly rewarded with a goal 20 minutes from time.

Anwar El Ghazi (LW) - 8/10 - His cute finish was the best moment of the match. After scoring his first, became a little greedy.