West Bromwich Albion manager Slaven Bilic believes that his decision to recall Kieran Gibbs to his side was an important factor in the Baggies' impressive 4-1 win against Bristol City.

Bilic elected to bring Gibbs in his starting line-up at left-back, with Nathan Ferguson also coming back into the side following his return from a three-match suspension but moving across to right-back, and they were both heavily involved throughout as the Baggies produced a controlled performance to secure a fourth consecutive Championship win.

Gibbs has endured a somewhat frustrating start to the campaign, with injury problems and the recent form of both Ferguson and Conor Townsend keeping him out of the side for most of the season so far, but his performance against Bristol City, which saw him fire home the opening goal of the game, reminded West Brom of his quality.

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Speaking the media following the Baggies' win against Bristol City, Bilic explained his decision to bring Gibbs back in at left-back, and that he believes the defender has the quality and reading of the game to be a real asset to his side, saying: "Gibbs is Gibbs. He’s a top top player. He’s a midfielder playing as a left back. I don’t see that many left feet and awareness and brains anywhere. He is enjoying it. We have a good squad. It was about that as well.

The full-backs, the way we play, they’re up and down. We also played on Saturday, so why not?"

The Verdict

Bilic is right to suggest that given West Brom are entering the hectic festive period, it was wise to bring Gibbs into the side and freshen things up against Bristol City, and the defender's experience and quality down the left-hand side was a key factor in the Baggies managing to force their opponents onto the back foot throughout most of the match.

Gibbs' quality and composure in possession make him an ideal option to start at left-back for the Baggies, with the 30-year-old able to help West Brom build through the thirds, and play their way out from the back when under pressure, while his experience and reading of the game makes him a solid defensive presence down his side of the field.

Bilic will have a real decision to make over the next few weeks over who should be his first choice at left-back, with Townsend and Ferguson also both performing well there so far this term, but Gibbs' performance on Wednesday could have placed him in pole position to earn that starting place over the festive period.