Newcastle 0 West Brom 1 - Player ratings

Ben Foster

His lightning quick reflex save to deny Gayle in the first half was arguably as important as the goal, and he also looked incredibly comfortable receiving fast back-passes on the greasy surfaces. 8/10

Allan Nyom

Only mistake he made was allowing Kenedy to drift past him when the Chelsea loanee hit the post. Apart from that, he was solid. 7/10

Ahmed Hegazi

A much better performance from the Egyptian that included some important headers and interventions in the box. 7/10

Craig Dawson - Albion man of the match

The centre-back was on a one-man mission to keep a clean sheet, and met pretty much every Newcastle cross with either a firm head or a sweeping leg. Dwight Gayle was kept quiet before he infuriated Islam Slimani so much he resorted to kicking him. A colossal, battling performance. 8/10

Kieran Gibbs

Consistently got forward in support of McClean and was solid at the back, forcing Matt Ritchie inside on several occasions. 7/10

Matt Phillips

Thumped home the winner in the first half and was a constant threat on the counter. Faded for a brief period in the second half but seemed to get a second wind late on. One who is flourishing under Moore. 8/10

Jake Livermore

His first time assist for Phillips’s goal was opportunistic and clever, and it was another brilliant box to box performance from the improved midfielder. Turned into traffic when he was put through on goal, but apart from that, superb. 8/10

Chris Brunt

Did well to drop onto Perez when necessary, and kept Albion ticking along in midfield. Another solid performer who kept his shape. 7/10

James McClean

Booed to the heavens because of his Sunderland connections, but he didn't let it get to him. Whistled a shot past the outside post and sent in a few probing crosses. 7/10

Jay Rodriguez

Mistimed a couple of chances that fell to him kindly in the box but he did test Dubravka late on in both halves and the way he dropped on Shelvey and harassed him was exemplary. 7/10

Salomon Rondon

Lashed his best chance over the bar, but won plenty of flick-ons and gave both Lejeune the highly-rated Lascelles a torrid time. 7/10

Substitutes

Grzegorz Krychowiak (Rodriguez 76)

Was bought on to help shore things up. 6/10

Jonny Evans (McClean 89)

Played his part in the final minutes. 6/10

Hal Robson-Kanu (Rondon 90+2)

Won a free-kick to run down the clock. 6/10

Unused: Myhill, Yacob, Burke, Sturridge.