NEWCASTLE (4-2-3-1):
7 Darlow: Left his line to make a couple of excellent catches, and looks a much more reliable option than Sels
7 Anita: Has slotted straight back in ahead of Yedlin and was a powerful force linking up with Atsu on the right
7 Lascelles: Only lasted an hour before a sickness bug sapped his strength, but was extremely effective up to that point
7 Clark: Is growing in confidence defensively and claimed his second Newcastle goal with a clinical header
6 Dummett: Solid enough defensively, but blotted his copybook as he conceded possession cheaply on a number of occasions
9 SHELVEY: Another masterful display from the midfielder, who was the architect behind all three of Newcastle’s goals
7 Colback: Provided the perfect foil for Shelvey, with his work rate and positioning helping snuff out Brentford’s attacks
8 Atsu: Ran Brentford’s full-back ragged, although his final delivery didn’t always live up to the promise of his runs
6 Perez: Started fairly slow, but burst into life in the closing stages and should have done better with a couple of late chances
7 Gouffran: Remains one of the most consistent players in the Newcastle side, with his close control especially impressive
8 Gayle: Moved to the top of the Championship goalscoring charts as he claimed a couple of classic centre-forward’s goals
Subs:
6 Hanley (for Lascelles, 60): Replaced Newcastle’s skipper for the final half hour and successfully dealt with some tricky long balls
Yedlin (for Atsu, 72)
Lazaar (for Gouffran, 84)
(not used): Sels (gk), Hayden, Diame, Mitrovic.
BRENTFORD (4-2-3-1):
Bentley 6; Colin 5, Dean 5, Egan 4, Bjelland 3 (Barbet 75); Woods 6, Yennaris 5 (McCormack 78); Clarke 4, McLeod 5 (Kaikai 64, 4), SAWYERS 6; Hogan 5.
Subs (not used): Bonham (gk), Saunders, McEachran, Kerschbaumer.
Man Of The Match: JONJO SHELVEY – The midfielder continues to look much too good for the Championship, and now boasts more assists than anyone else in the second tier.
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