NEWCASTLE (4-2-3-1):

6 Dubravka: Didn’t have to make a single save, but still impressed as he marshalled the defenders in front of him

7 Yedlin: His defensive work has improved dramatically this season, and this was another rock-solid display

7 Lejeune: Relished a physical battle against the imposing Depoitre and was comfortable with the ball at his feet

8 Lascelles: Maintained the sky-high standards he has been setting this season, and should have been in last month’s England squad

7 Dummett: Another player who has taken his performances to another level this season – never looked in a moment of trouble

7 Shelvey: Teed up two excellent first-half chances for Gayle with superb long balls and ran the central-midfield area

8 DIAME: Where has this player been for the last couple of years? Closed down everything Huddersfield were trying to do in midfield

7 Ritchie: Even when things are not quite happening for him in attack, he can be relied upon to give every ounce of effort

8 Perez: Kept his composure to slot home his fifth goal of the season and has made the ‘number ten’ role his own

7 Kenedy: Wasn’t able to make much of an impact for long periods, but delivered the most important pass of the game as he squared for Perez

5 Gayle: Spurned two excellent first-half chances and will find his starting spot coming under pressure now Slimani is fit


Subs:

6 Atsu (for Ritchie, 67): Made an impact after coming off the bench and delivered the cross that resulted in Perez’s goal

Slimani (for Gayle, 75)

Hayden (for Diame, 79)

(not used): Darlow (gk), Manquillo, Clark, Murphy.


HUDDERSFIELD (4-2-3-1):

Lossl 6; Smith 5 (Mounie 83), Schindler 6, Jorgensen 6, KONGOLO 7; Hogg 5, Mooy 6; Kachunga 5 (Quaner 56, 4), Pritchard 6, van La Parra 5 (Malone 86); Depoitre 4.

Subs (not used): Coleman (gk), Billing, Ince, Hadergjonaj.


Man Of The Match: MO DIAME – The midfielder would edge out a number of rivals in the battle to be named Newcastle’s most improved player of the season.