ALBION exited the Carabao Cup in the Third Round after they were beaten 2-1 at The Hawthorns by Manchester City on Wednesday evening.
Two Leroy Sane strikes either side of a Claudio Yacob volley saw City progress to the next round, but the Baggies put in a brave performance on a bitterly cold night in the West Midlands.
Pep Guardiola's side took the lead on three minutes when Ilkay Gundogan's shot was saved well by Ben Foster, but Sane was on hand to smash in the rebound.
Just before the 10 minute mark Albion thought they had equalised when Hal Robson-Kanu slotted home from close range, only for referee Mike Jones to call play back for a foul.
With just under 20 minutes gone it then took a great reaction stop from Foster to keep out Eliaquim Mangala's powerful header.
City were having a lot of the ball but it wasn't until first half added time that Foster was properly tested again, as he made a fingertip save to keep out Raheem Sterling's curling shot.
Just before the hour mark Sterling again had an effort saved by Foster, with the England winger's low drive this time kept out by the goalkeeper's feet.
With 68 minutes gone Albion created a great chance when James Morrison powered his way through the box but could only poke his shot inches wide.
The Baggies did get the equaliser they deserved on 72 minutes, though, when Kieran Gibbs' corner was guided through the legs of Claudio Bravo by Yacob.
Tony Pulis' men went close a number of times after the goal but couldn't find a second, and Sane made them pay in the 77th minute following a quick counter-attack.
Robson-Kanu hit the post in injury time for Albion with just the goalkeeper to beat, but City managed to hold on to record the win.
ALBION: Foster, Nyom, Evans, McAuley (Phillips 62), Dawson, Gibbs; Morrison, Krychowiak, Yacob (McClean 80); Robson-Kanu, Rodriguez (Rondon 67).
Substitutes: Myhill, Hegazi, Barry, Field.