‘Strutted’, ‘Best game in a Baggies shirt’ - West Brom player ratings gallery vs Blackpool

West Brom propelled themself into the Championship playoff positions with a huge victory over Blackpool on Tuesday night, giving them a second consecutive away win. The Baggies produced a stylish display to hamper the Seasiders’ survival chances and aid their own top six probabilities.

However, the home side started the strongest, as former Albion youth prospect Morgan Rogers crashed an effort off the post from close range just four minutes into the game. It proved to be a let-off for Carlos Corberan’s side as they looked to continue in the same vein as their impressive second-half performance against Stoke City last time out.

But the Baggies soon found their stride, even if their opener came slightly against the run of play. Conor Townsend nodded on John Swift’s corner only to be prodded home by Brandon Thomas-Asante with an audacious backheeled effort.

It was a lively start to complement the raucous atmosphere at Bloomfield Road and despite the scoreline, Blackpool surged forwards in search of an equaliser. And they almost found one through Keshi Anderson who robbed Swift of possession midway inside his own half before firing wide of the mark.

Albion then suffered yet another injury to add to their current woes as Nathaniel Chalobah went down with a suspected ankle injury, he was replaced by academy graduate Taylor Gardner-Hickman. The youngster had some assured touches before truly putting his stamp on the game just on the hour mark, his late run was found by Swift inside the penalty area before side-footing an effort past goalkeeper Daniel Grimshaw.

The Baggies saw the game out with relative ease as the Seasiders left their goal relatively untroubled until the full-time whistle. A giant three points for Corberan’s men saw them slip into the top six with only a single points cushion between themselves and the rest of the chasing pack.

Here are our player ratings from an impressive night by the sea for West Brom.

GK - Alex Palmer - 7

A calm and assured display between the sticks to give him his first clean sheet since returning from injury.

RB - Darnell Furlong - 6

Had a difficult task keeping Blackpool’s attacking talents quiet but did so with relative ease.

CB - Semi Ajayi - 7

Fired a header over from close range midway through the first have, but defensive-wise looked sharp and won plenty of aerial duels.

CB - Erik Pieters - 6

Looked a little uncomfortable on occasions but like the rest of the Albion players, looked right at home, particularly on the ball in the second half.

LB - Conor Townsend - 7

Grabbed the assist for Thomas-Asante’s opener. Lost Rogers for the early chance but otherwise dealt well with the challenges he faced.

CM - Jayson Molumby - 7

Last week’s brace scorer Molumby strutted his stuff and got about the Seasiders’ midfield to great effect as they struggled to get into the final third to help their attackers.

CM - Nathaniel Chalobah - 7

The midfielder was having his best game in an Albion shirt up until his withdrawal. And with midfield options light enough, Corberan will be hoping his injury isn’t as bad as first feared.

CAM - John Swift - 7

He was lucky not to be punished for his error during the first half, however, the former Reading, Chelsea and Portsmouth man atoned for his mistake with a composed assist for Gardner-Hickman’s goal.

LM - Karlan Grant - 6

Handed a start after a promising second-half performance at Stoke, he worked the ‘keeper once with a drilled effort.

RM - Jed Wallace - 6

Picked up his performance in the second period and came close to scoring through a deflected effort.

ST - Brandon Thomas-Asante - 8

Scored the first with a cute backheeled prod and played a crucial hand in the second as he showed tremendous endeavour to keep the ball in play, allowing Swift to take the ball and set up the goalscorer.

SUB - Taylor Gardner-Hickman - 8

Showed exactly what he can be capable of when he replaced Chalobah towards the end of the first half and bagged his second Baggies strike to add to an impressive display.

SUB - Tom Rogic - 6

Had some nice touches and turned a cross just wide of the post, although with Swift’s form he may find starts hard to come by.

SUB - Marc Albrighton - 6

Didn’t really have time to make an impact as he replaced Grant with 10 minutes to play.