Goals:

1-0: Sissoko (78, received Ameobi’s return ball in the area and spun away from his marker to steer a low shot into the bottom corner)

Bookings: Onuoha (41, foul), Sissoko (58, foul), Dunne (73, foul)

Referee: Chris Foy (St Helens) – Seemed to regard any contact between opposing players as a foul and ruined the flow of the game with his constant interruptions 2

Attendance: 51,915

Entertainment: ***

NEWCASTLE (4-2-3-1):

7 Krul: Saved Austin’s low shot and tipped over Dunne’s header, but was extremely well protected by those playing in front of him

8 Janmaat: Has been Newcastle’s most consistent player during their winning run and was an influential figure in both halves once again

8 Williamson: Recalled to the starting line-up after a six-week absence and ensured Coloccini would not be missed with an extremely composed display

8 Dummett: Looks even better at centre-half than he does at full-back, with his positioning and reading of the game coming to the fore

7 Haidara: Adds an extra attacking element with his energy and comfort in possession, and was defensively secure throughout

7 R Taylor: Was the best player on the pitch in the opening half hour, and thankfully his latest knee problem does not appear too severe

8 Colback: Has proved an excellent addition to the Newcastle midfield, with his understated style masking a major influence in both defence and attack

7 Cabella: His spell out of the team has worked wonders, and he looks a much more confident and authoritative figure than when he first arrived

8 SISSOKO: Always looked the likeliest goalscorer, and increasingly looks like the complete midfielder as he carries more of a goal threat

6 Ameobi: Was the only Newcastle player to fall a level or two below their best, but produced a superb ball for Sissoko’s goal

7 Perez: Threatened to cause problems on the shoulder of the last defender on a number of occasions, but wasted a great second-half chance

Subs:

Gouffran (for R Taylor, 34): Another player who has benefited from a spell out of the team, with his work-rate and commitment aiding Newcastle’s defensive effort 7

Cisse (for Cabella, 68): Helped keep his side on the front foot in the closing stages, but should have added a second in stoppage time 6

Armstrong (for Perez, 89)

(not used): Elliot (gk), Streete, Anita, Ferreyra.

QPR (4-4-2):

Green 5; Onuoha 5, Caulker 6, DUNNE 6, Yun 4; Barton 5, Henry 4 (Hoilett 82), Sandro 5 (Kranjcar 60, 5), Fer 4; Zamora 5, Austin 6.

Subs (not used): McCarthy (gk), Traore, Isla, Phillips, Mutch.

Man Of The Match: MOUSSA SISSOKO – The Frenchman is finally developing into the player it was always hoped he would become when he first arrived. Comparisons with Yaya Toure are premature, but not completely misplaced.