Sissoko ensures Newcastle continue winning run

Moussa Sissoko’s goal gave Newcastle their sixth victory in a row, beating QPR 1-0.

Newcastle dominated the first half, particularly the very early stages when they were camped in QPR’s half, winning plenty of set pieces. However, they were unable to convert any of the crosses that Ryan Taylor - making his return from injury from early 2012.

Unfortunately for Taylor, he lasted barely more than half an hour, going off with more knee trouble, to a standing ovation. Earlier he had the best chance of the half, curling a shot from inside the box into the arms of Rob Green.

In the second half, Moussa Sissoko slipped Ayoze Perez through on goal but Green was out smartly to block.

With little over 15 minutes of the match remaining, Sissoko scored the winner, exchanging passes with Sammy Ameobi on the edge of the box, and then curling a shot inside the far post. QPR had struggled all day, and could not find an equaliser.

17’ - GREEN SAVE - Cabella pulls the ball back to Ryan Taylor, lurking just outside the box, and his shot is high and central, forcing Green to tip over.

22’ - TAYLOR SHOT - Perez bursts down the ritht, uses close control to find Cabella a few yards behind him in the box after stumbling. He lays the ball inside for Taylor, but he curls a shot into the arms of Green.

45’ - DUNNE HEADER - QPR win a corner as the half comes to a close. Barton will take, and Dunne stretches to to tip it over the bar.

57’ - GREEN SAVE - Sissoko races forward after QPR lose possession high up the pitch, slips in Perez, he takes a few touches and tries to touch the ball over Green, but the 'keeper is out quickly to pull off a good block.

74’ - PEREZ SHOT - Gouffran robs Young and quickly moves away from him and into the box. He finds Perez in the centre, and he snaps a shot at the near post. Green saves competently.

78’ - GOAL! Newcastle 1-0 QPR. Sissoko scores - Newcastle patiently build down the left with Haidara and Ameobi. Sissoko lays the ball back to Ameobi, he dinks the ball back into the box to find Sissoko's run into the box and he curls a shot into the far corner.

This was Newcastle’s six consecutive victory.

Ayoze Perez failed to score for Newcastle for the first time in four games.

This was the first time that Newcastle have won five consecutive Premier League games since April 2012.

The Magpies have won six and lost none of the last seven Premier League meetings with QPR.

QPR have the worst away record in the Premier League with no points, just two goals scored and 15 conceded in six games.

Yohan Cabaye left for big money last winter, could Sissoko follow his international team mate? Sissoko was the best player on the pitch and has been growing in influence on the side since the start of the season. He features regularly for the French national side, and it is surely only a matter of time before a bigger club shows an interest. Mike Ashley has proven that he is not averse to making a profit on his players.

Moussa Sissoko (Newcastle United): He captained the side, and was consistently the most dangerous player on the pitch. He has always had the advantage of speed, but he is able to provide incisive passing from the wings as well as through the centre. As he demonstrated today, he is also a goal threat.

Newcastle United: Krul 6, Janmaat 6, Williamson 6, Dummett 6, Haidara 7, R.Taylor 6, Sissoko 7, Colback 6, Cabella 6, Perez 6, Ameobi 6. Subs: Gouffran 6, Armstrong 6, Cisse 6.

QPR: Green 6, Onuoha 6, Caulker 6, Dunne 6, Suk-Young 6, Barton 5, Sandro 5, Henry 5, Fer 5, Austin 5, Zamora 5. Subs: Kranjcar 5, Hoilett 6.