Newcastle 2 West Brom 1 - Player ratings

Sam Johnstone

Johnstone made decent stops to deny Miguel Almiron and Joelinton. But otherwise he was barely tested here and could do nothing about either of Newcastle’s goals.

No chance 6

Darnell Furlong

The wing-back provided the Baggies with an outlet even when they were playing poorly in the first half. Furlong then scored with a cracking finish after the break to undoubtedly be Albion’s man of the match.

Impressive 7

Semi Ajayi

Arguably the pick of Albion’s back three, there were a few times Callum Wilson got the better of him. But Ajayi was largely a steady presence and tried to spark attacks with clever balls forward.

Potential 5

Branislav Ivanovic

The former Chelsea man had a shocker, with his nothing challenge on Wilson leading to Newcastle scoring after just 23 seconds. And it didn’t get much better from there, with Ivanovic at sixes and sevens all afternoon.

Poor 3

Dara O’Shea

The Irishman came back into the side with Kyle Bartley injured. O’Shea put in a steady enough display, but did struggle following the introduction of Dwight Gayle.

Steady-ish 5

Matt Phillips

Again given the nod at left wing-back, Phillips looked less comfortable in the role and was also at fault for Newcastle’s opener. But when he was moved up front he was much more effective and sent in the cross for Furlong’s goal. He was also in the right place to clear a Gayle header off the line.

Bright second-half 6

Romaine Sawyers

The midfielder moved the ball around well when sitting deeper. But when further forward, Sawyers’ passing was a bit too safe with that one of the reasons why Albion created little in the way of clear-cut chances.

Cautious 5

Conor Gallagher

As always, Gallagher was full of energy, with the youngster doing his best to try and make things happen. He did, though, miss one big chance just before the interval.

Committed 6

Filip Krovinovic

The Croatian was very tidy on the ball and did produce some good darting runs. But, like Sawyers, sometimes his passing was a bit too cautious with the ball often needing to be released earlier.

Unspectacular 5

Callum Robinson

The forward did what he could to drop deep and link play in the first half. He was certainly bright enough that it came as a surprise when he was subbed at the break.

Unlucky 5

Karlan Grant

It’s just not happening for Grant at the minute, with this another game where he simply didn’t look threatening

Anonymous 4

Substitutes

Kieran Gibbs (for Robinson) 5, Charlie Austin (for Grant) 5, Kamil Grosicki (for Gallagher) 5.

Subs not used: Button, Kipre, Livermore, Diangana.