NEWCASTLE (4-2-3-1):
8 Elliot: Made three superb saves to help ensure Newcastle emerged victorious, with the best seeing him keep out Diouf’s header
7 Yedlin: Preferred to Manquillo at right-back and justified his recall with some stout defending and effective attacking
8 Lascelles: The match winner for the second weekend in a row as he led by example once again – a real threat from set-pieces
7 Clark: Marked Jese and Choupo-Moting out of the game and was always on top of the aerial battle with Stoke’s forwards
7 Mbemba: Came in for Gamez at left-back and continues to look extremely comfortable despite his natural position being centre-half
6 Hayden: Did the simple things effectively at the base of midfield and covered a lot of ground up against Fletcher and Allen
8 Merino: Another excellent performance from a player who has taken the move to the Premier League in his stride – a real find
8 RITCHIE: Created both goals and set up a host of other opportunities with some excellent crossing – a player at the top of his form
8 Perez: Deserves a lot of credit for the way he has played this season – this was another all-action display of energy and commitment
7 Atsu: Showed impressive desire as he slotted home Newcastle’s opener and was a threat on the left-hand side all afternoon
6 Joselu: Got himself into some excellent positions against his former employers, but let himself down with some sloppy finishing
Subs:
Shelvey (for Hayden, 69): Tried to get on the ball in the closing stages, but it could be a while before he finds himself back in the starting line-up 5
Gayle (for Joselu, 78)
Diame (for Perez, 85)
(not used): Woodman (gk), Manquillo, Lejeune, Murphy.
STOKE (3-4-2-1):
Butland 6; Zouma 6, Martins Indi 5, Wimmer 5; Diouf 4, Allen 5 (Crouch 84), Fletcher 5, Pieters 6; Jese 4 (Sobhi 62, 5), SHAQIRI 8; Choupo-Moting 5.
Subs (not used): Grant (gk), Johnson, Tymon, Adam, Berahino.
Man Of The Match: MATT RITCHIE – There were a number of contenders, but Ritchie’s deadly set-piece delivery and effectiveness from open play means he just shades it.
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