Albion's individuals made the team plan work - as Fabian Huerzeler made good use of his resources.

A somewhat surprising XI plus good substitutions helped secure an impressive 1-0 win at Newcastle.

Bart Verbruggen 9/10

His best game for the club? It is certainly hard to recall him making so many fine, important saves while also showing poise with the ball at his feet. That huge claim at the final corner was a fitting exclamation mark.

Joel Veltman 7/10

Another of those games here you imagine those who do not watch him regularly see the first few minutes and expect him to have a rough afternoon. He always finds a way to win battles and this was no different against tricky opponents.

Lewis Dunk 8/10

Lots of good defending at the heart of a four, then a five. Kadioglu baled him out after a rare lapse and we saw his passing skills to good effect on the goal.

Igor Julio 7/10

A few important interventions remain in the memory, also a couple of moments where he played the hosts onside, and his poise on the ball was useful.

Ferdi Kadioglu 7/10

Played most of the match at left-back and ended it quite well advanced to the right, from where he might scored. Probably the best we have seen from him defensively.

Jack Hinshelwood 8/10

The more unsung star of this clean sheet, although there was a huge shot block which caught the eye, Kept others quiet.

Carlos Baleba 7/10

Was the first to really show poise on the ball when he brought it out from deep and spread play wide to the right. Another strong performance .

Yasin Ayari 7.5/10

He has impressed with his forward runs from midfield but here he helped shore things up as he played away to the left. Albion still had four attacking players on the pitch and a ball he curled across goal on half-time deserved to be converted.

Georginio Rutter 8/10

Played a great part in the goal but the fact that, a minute later, he was chasing back to win the ball off Hall really summed up a hugely industrious display. He has the best bits of “luxury” player but does all the chores too.

Danny Welbeck 8/10

Fingers will be tightly crossed that he was not badly hurt. His cleverly created and taken goal highlighted another impressive display, both as a target and chasing back.

Evan Ferguson 7/10

Given the start to help Albion go long when pressed. Did a decent job but gave the ball away cheaply a couple of times (and then chased back looking to make amends).

Subs - Kaoru Mitoma 7/10

A great man to send on with Newcastle susceptible to counter raids and he twice went close. Was a threat - but concession of two dangerous late free-kicks did not help the nerves.

Pervis Estupinan 7/10

Played Gordon onside for a good chance but then got through some strong defending and set up a chance for Kadioglu.

Mats Wieffer 7/10

Some good work seeing the job through in midfield and might have added a goal.

Julio Enciso N/A

Gave Newcastle something think about and embarrassed Burn on one occasion.

Jan Paul van Hecke N/A

Settled back in smoothly and gave the option of a back five.