Darren Moore hails Dwight Gayle after West Brom brace

Gayle scored two goals of supreme quality either side of half-time to give the Baggies a deserved 2-0 lead before Erik Pieters scored a late consolation goal for Stoke.

Sixteen minutes in, Gayle took a Kieran Gibbs pass on the pirouette before rounding Jack Butland to open the scoring.

Then shortly after half-time he killed a raking Jake Livermore pass dead before firing past Butland at his near post.

Having won three penalties already this season for strike partner Jay Rodriguez to tuck away, Gayle's second and third goals in Baggies colours ensured that, this time, he was the bride instead of the bridesmaid.

“He scored two very good goals today and his calmness and composure when he gets in front of goal is there for all to see," said Moore.

“I’m really pleased for Dwight because after impressive team-play that led up to the goal he was able to tuck them away.

“I’m really pleased with the three points on an afternoon when it was a good team performance.

“It could have been more. If we’d been a bit more clinical we could have scored more goals but it’s always good to have a goal threat and if we keep getting into those positions I’m sure we’ll score more than we miss.

“When you look at positions we get in and the threat we can cause when you isolate defenders it’s good to have that goal threat.

“In games where we’re not as fluent it’s always good to have someone who can create something out of nothing and we’ve got them here."

Gayle scored 23 goals in the Championship for Newcastle two seasons ago but struggled for starts in the Premier League last term.

When Rafa Benitez approached the Baggies to take Salomon Rondon on loan, Albion asked for Gayle in response, and it's proving to be a masterstroke.

“We felt with Dwight coming here and Salomon going there that was two strikers who were right for the clubs," said Moore.

“Both clubs agreed. We felt Dwight would be a good fit here in terms of team dynamics and cohesion and he has added to that.

“I get the benefit of working with him every day and his character is very good and he has definitely brought something to the club and added to the team.

“We’re delighted to have him here and we know we’ve somebody who, when chances come, is cool, calm and composed in front of goal."

Gayle received treatment for the second half before coming off but Moore is confident the striker will be fine by the time Albion travel to Birmingham City in just under a fortnight's time.

“He’s fine," said Moore. "He took a little knock but he’s OK.

"I'm pleased as a coach to have won that game and be going into the international break in double figures."