Newcastle United 2 West Brom 1 match report: Stunning strike from Moussa Sissoko keeps Newcastle flying high

Magpies are just a point off second place after registering fourth straight win

Opening strike: Yoan Gouffran, centre, scores to set Newcastle on their way (PA)

Newcastle United are one point off second place in the Premier League this morning. It is a fact that feels worth repeating. It is also one that would have taken some predicting when they went down to a first-game-of-the-season defeat at Manchester City by four goals. It could have been 10, but since then, and certainly in the last four League games (all won), a team has started to emerge. Some shape and grit has been added to the unquestioned Gallic flair that was spotted by the chief scout, Graham Carr, and bought by the owner, Mike Ashley.

That was clear 12 minutes into the second half. Yoan Gouffran's opening goal had been cancelled out by a rifled finish from the left foot of Chris Brunt. At that point Alan Pardew's side could have wilted, but instead, four minutes later, they asserted their control in stunning fashion, Moussa Sissoko rounding off a sweeping move with a vicious strike from 20 yards, into the top corner of Boaz Myhill's goal. The celebration that followed was testament to the emergence of a team ethic. Most of Sissoko's team-mates joined him along with the club's substitutes in the home dug-out.

"I sensed before the game the group is very strong," Pardew said. "There is a really good feeling in here. Everyone is fit and available. You can look around and see the quality. We have a strength in depth we didn't have in the season when we finished fifth.

"We've had to scrap for points today. This was as tough as we've had. West Brom were very good. We had to show a real resilience and strength of character to win. It was one of the most exquisite of goals and yet that papered over the hard work by us and them. It was a terrific game.

"There is a good chance I could win French manager of the year. A lot of our offensive players happen to be French, that would fit in with them scoring most of the goals. There were questions marks about commitment, mental strength and physical strength for this division when they came. They did struggle a little bit but have overcome that."

Gouffran capitalised on a poor clearance by Myhill from a corner to put Newcastle ahead, in the 36th minute. Eight minutes after the interval, West Bromwich had drawn level when Brunt smashed a left-footed drive past Tim Krul. Then came Sissoko's strike and in celebration he ran to the Newcastle dug-out. He was followed by his team-mates.

That collective strength was enough to withstand the visitors' late push for a point. Defender Mike Williamson was particularly strong late on.

Newcastle could have had a penalty at the death, when Billy Jones blocked a Yohan Cabaye shot with his arm. Löic Rémy felt Jonas Olsson should have been sent off for a tug on Rémy.

West Bromwich manager Steve Clarke said: "The reaction to going behind was good. The biggest shame is we couldn't stay 1-1 for longer. It was a great strike from Sissoko but we came again. To concede two goals in any game means you have to get two to get anything and three to win. It is a problem was have to address."

Line-ups:

Newcastle United (4-4-2): Krul; Debuchy, Williamson, Coloccini, Santon; Sissoko (Cissé, 90), Cabaye, Tioté, Gouffran; Rémy (Anita, 84), Ameobi.

West Bromwich Albion (4-2-3-1): Myhill: Jones, McAuley, Olsson, Ridgewell; Mulumbu, Morrison; Amalfitano (Gera, 88), Sessègnon (Anichebe, 77), Brunt (Berahino, 76); Long.

Referee: Phil Dowd

Man of the match: Sissoko (Newcastle)

Match rating: 7/10