Tony Pulis has singled out Ross Barkley for praise after the England midfielder was instrumental as West Brom went down 3-0 at Everton on Saturday afternoon.
The Baggies boss also admitted that his side were somewhat behind their victors in terms of financial muscleas they put up a flat performance on Merseyside.
Speaking to theLiverpool Echoafter the game, Pulis said of Barkley:"That's the best I've seen Barkley play and I've been up against him a few times. Then there's Lukaku who is one of the best strikers in the Premier League.
FT. Everton 3 (Mirallas 39, Schneiderlin 45, Lukaku 82) Albion 0.
A clinical Everton side take all three points at Goodison Park.#WBA pic.twitter.com/m4qcAlVg91
"Those two up front are very very good and that's the difference these clubs have."
Two quick-fire goals from Kevin Mirallas and Morgan Schneiderlin meant the Baggies went in at the interval two goals down. The second half offered little change and the impressive Barkley teed up Lukaku for his 19th Premier League goal of the season late on.
Pulis was also quizzed on Schneiderlin, who scored Everton's second. The Frenchman was sought after by West Brom but found Everton too financially superior when he signed for £24m in January.
 Albion Head Coach Tony Pulis reacts to the Baggies' 3-0 defeat at the hands of @Everton at Goodison Park.#WBA pic.twitter.com/E21tbv3AkC
"They're a good side," he said. "They're just outside the top six and when you think Bolasie is injured and they spent a lot on him, and were able to spend a lot on Schneiderlin and that quality gets you there.
"We worked hard but lacked a bit in the final third but we had a go today."
Albion will be looking to return to winning ways when they face Arsenal at the Hawthorns on Saturday. Pulis' side are currently 8th in the Premier League with 28 played.