By David Ornstein BBC Sport

Newcastle produced an excellent attacking display to beat West Bromwich Albion at The Hawthorns and move level on points with fifth-placed Chelsea.

Hatem Ben Arfa crossed for Papiss Cisse to open the scoring with an easy finish from what appeared an offside position.

The superb Ben Arfa then curled in the second before again teeing up Cisse to drill past home goalkeeper Ben Foster.

DID YOU KNOW?

  • Papiss Cisse is the joint-quickest Newcastle player in Premier League history to reach five goals (six games, same as Les Ferdinand)

A defensive mix-up let substitute Shane Long pull one back but Newcastle held on to maintain their push for Europe.

It has been a memorable season for the Magpies and, on this evidence, they remain capable of challenging for a top-four finish.

Key to their chances are the attacking trio of Ben Arfa, Cisse and Demba Ba - none of whom Albion could live with in the first half.

The Baggies are now without a win in three matches but remain 11 points clear of the relegation zone in 14th.

Just 14 of their 36 points this season have come at home and it was clear why as Newcastle were afforded too much time and space early on.

Hodgson 'irritated' by home loss

Ben Arfa and Yohan Cabaye were enjoying particular freedom, while Ba dragged defenders out of position to create gaps for Cisse.

Newcastle signalled their intent in the fourth minute when the Baggies failed to clear their lines and Ba's drive was tipped over the bar.

It was a vibrant start from the visitors and Albion, looking most unlike a team organised by Hodgson, soon fell behind.

Newcastle worked the ball left and Ben Arfa slid a low centre across the face of goal, where Cisse was waiting to convert from close range.

The home fans expressed frustration and their day took another turn for the worse when Newcastle struck a second on the counter-attack.

Fabricio Coloccini headed a clearance to Ben Arfa, who played a one-two with Cabaye and exchanged passes with Cisse before cutting in a firing past Foster.

Albion worked hard to muster a response, James Morrison drilling wide on the half-volley before Marc-Antoine Fortune headed over and Morrison had an effort disallowed for offside.

Pardew hails 'champagne' Newcastle

Their disappointment was compounded when Ben Arfa led another breakaway, combined with Ba and crossed for Cisse to sweep home.

In an attempt to redress the balance, Hodgson introduced Chris Brunt and Shane Long for Jerome Thomas and Keith Andrews at half-time.

The move sparked his side into life and, after Foster had made a crucial save when one-on-one with Cisse, Albion were given a fortuitous lifeline.

Peter Odemwingie chased a long pass over the top and confusion between keeper Tim Krul and centre-back Mike Williamson saw the pair collide and present Long with a tap-in.

Albion were suddenly in the ascendancy and Odemwingie tested Krul from a tight angle before Williamson blocked Fortune's fierce strike.

But Newcastle continued to carry a threat of their own and Foster made his latest save to deny Ben Arfa following a fine solo run.

Hodgson urged his men forward but, with all three substitutions used, Morrison suffered a foot injury and with him went the Baggies' chances.

West Brom came from 3-0 down to draw at Newcastle on the final day of last season but there was to be no repeat this time round.

Lineup, Bookings (1) & Substitutions (6)

West Bromwich Albion

  • 01 Foster
  • 03 Olsson
  • 06 Ridgewell
  • 23 McAuley
  • 28 Jones
  • 07 Morrison
  • 08 Andrews (Long - 46' )
  • 14 Thomas (Brunt - 46' )
  • 21 Mulumbu (Scharner - 73' )
  • 24 Odemwingie
  • 32 Fortune

Substitutes

  • 19 Daniels
  • 20 Shorey
  • 25 Dawson
  • 11 Brunt
  • 33 Scharner
  • 09 Long
  • 31 Cox

Newcastle United

  • 26 Krul
  • 02 Coloccini (Santon - 46' )
  • 05 Simpson
  • 06 Williamson Booked
  • 14 Perch
  • 04 Cabaye
  • 08 Guthrie
  • 10 Ben Arfa (Sh Ameobi - 75' )
  • 18 Gutierrez
  • 09 Cisse (Ferguson - 79' )
  • 19 Ba

Substitutes

  • 35 Elliot
  • 03 Santon
  • 31 Ferguson
  • 13 Abeid
  • 15 Gosling
  • 29 Vuckic
  • 23 Sh Ameobi
Ref: Foy
Att: 25,049

Match Stats

Shots

14 10

On target

6 7

Corners

10 4

Fouls

10 4

Live Text Commentary

90:00 +7:06 Full time

Full Time The final whistle is blown by the referee.

90:00 +4:01

Corner taken by Chris Brunt.

90:00 +3:49

The ball is delivered by Liam Ridgewell, clearance made by James Perch.

90:00 +3:31

The ball is swung over by Marc-Antoine Fortune, James Perch manages to make a clearance.

90:00 +1:15

Yohan Cabaye crosses the ball, Billy Jones manages to make a clearance.

90:00 +0:13

The official flags Liam Ridgewell offside. Free kick taken by Tim Krul.

89:30

Inswinging corner taken from the right by-line by Chris Brunt, James Perch manages to make a clearance.

89:21

Shot from 30 yards by Chris Brunt. Blocked by Jonas Gutierrez.

89:15

The ball is crossed by Jonas Olsson, Davide Santon makes a clearance.

88:58

Shola Ameobi gives away a free kick for an unfair challenge on Jonas Olsson. Direct free kick taken by Chris Brunt.

85:32

Yohan Cabaye decides to take the corner short. The ball is crossed by Danny Guthrie. The assistant referee flags for offside against Shola Ameobi. Ben Foster takes the free kick.

85:32

Short corner taken by Yohan Cabaye. The ball is swung over by Danny Guthrie. The referee blows for offside. Indirect free kick taken by Ben Foster.

84:27

The ball is swung over by Paul Scharner.

79:05

Free kick awarded for a foul by Paul Scharner on Danny Guthrie. James Perch takes the free kick.

78:02 Substitution

Substitution Shane Ferguson comes on in place of Papiss Cisse.

75:07

Corner taken left-footed by Chris Brunt.

74:43 Substitution

Substitution Shola Ameobi is brought on as a substitute for Hatem Ben Arfa.

72:55 Substitution

Substitution Paul Scharner replaces Youssouf Mulumbu.

71:58

Youssouf Mulumbu gives away a free kick for an unfair challenge on Demba Ba. Shot comes in from Yohan Cabaye from the free kick.

69:03

Effort on goal by Liam Ridgewell from just inside the box goes harmlessly over the target.

68:13

Free kick crossed left-footed by Chris Brunt.

68:13 Booking

Booking Mike Williamson is cautioned by the ref for unsporting behaviour.

67:55

Mike Williamson challenges Shane Long unfairly and gives away a free kick.

67:16

Yohan Cabaye fouled by Liam Ridgewell, the ref awards a free kick. Direct free kick taken by Yohan Cabaye.

63:58

The ball is crossed by Demba Ba, Liam Ridgewell manages to make a clearance.

62:51

Youssouf Mulumbu takes a shot. Blocked by Mike Williamson.

60:44

Peter Odemwingie produces a cross.

60:25

Yohan Cabaye gives away a free kick for an unfair challenge on Jonas Olsson. Jonas Olsson takes the free kick.

60:09

Effort on goal by Demba Ba from 18 yards. Save made by Ben Foster.

51:59 Goal scored

Goal - Shane Long - West Brom 1 - 3 Newcastle Shane Long scores a goal from deep inside the penalty box to the bottom left corner of the goal. West Brom 1-3 Newcastle.

56:30

Corner taken left-footed by Hatem Ben Arfa from the right by-line to the near post, save made by Ben Foster.

56:20

Hatem Ben Arfa takes a shot. Ben Foster makes a save.

53:30

Inswinging corner taken right-footed by James Morrison from the left by-line, Headed effort from deep inside the area by Jonas Olsson misses to the right of the target.

53:16

Peter Odemwingie takes a shot from 12 yards. Save by Tim Krul.

51:59

Youssouf Mulumbu provided the assist for the goal.

51:59 Goal scored

Goal - Shane Long - West Brom 1 - 3 Newcastle Shane Long grabs a goal from inside the penalty area to the bottom left corner of the goal. West Brom 1-3 Newcastle.

51:17

Unfair challenge on James Perch by Youssouf Mulumbu results in a free kick. Direct free kick taken by Tim Krul.

50:51

Billy Jones crosses the ball, clearance made by James Perch.

49:30

The ball is delivered by Peter Odemwingie, James Perch manages to make a clearance.

49:13

Papiss Cisse takes a shot. Ben Foster makes a save.

48:51

Inswinging corner taken right-footed by James Morrison from the left by-line to the near post, clearance by Yohan Cabaye.

48:26

The ball is delivered by Billy Jones, clearance made by Davide Santon. Youssouf Mulumbu takes a shot. Blocked by Mike Williamson.

47:20

James Morrison produces a left-footed shot from just outside the box that goes wide left of the goal.

47:13

Centre by Marc-Antoine Fortune, clearance by James Perch.

45:18

Free kick awarded for an unfair challenge on Demba Ba by Youssouf Mulumbu. Free kick taken by Yohan Cabaye.

45:01

The second half kicks off.

45:01 Substitution

Substitution Davide Santon replaces Fabricio Coloccini.

45:01 Substitution

Substitution Shane Long joins the action as a substitute, replacing Keith Andrews.

45:01 Substitution

Substitution Chris Brunt joins the action as a substitute, replacing Jerome Thomas.

45:00 +2:07 Half time

Half Time The referee blows for half time.

45:00 +0:32

A cross is delivered by Marc-Antoine Fortune, Mike Williamson manages to make a clearance.

42:03

Marc-Antoine Fortune is ruled offside. Free kick taken by Tim Krul.

39:07

The referee blows for offside. Ben Foster restarts play with the free kick.

38:34

Keith Andrews challenges Demba Ba unfairly and gives away a free kick. Direct free kick taken by Yohan Cabaye.

36:41

The offside flag is raised against Hatem Ben Arfa. Indirect free kick taken by Ben Foster.

33:35

Hatem Ben Arfa provided the assist for the goal.

33:35 Goal scored

Goal - Papiss Cisse - West Brom 0 - 3 Newcastle Papiss Cisse finds the back of the net with a goal from inside the penalty box to the bottom right corner of the goal. West Brom 0-3 Newcastle.

31:51

Marc-Antoine Fortune is flagged offside by the assistant referee. Tim Krul takes the indirect free kick.

29:41

Marc-Antoine Fortune concedes a free kick for a foul on Yohan Cabaye. Tim Krul takes the direct free kick.

27:24

Corner taken right-footed by James Morrison from the right by-line, Hatem Ben Arfa manages to make a clearance.

27:18

Liam Ridgewell produces a cross, James Perch makes a clearance.

26:57

The ball is crossed by Billy Jones, clearance by Yohan Cabaye.

26:02

A cross is delivered by Liam Ridgewell, Header on goal by Marc-Antoine Fortune from inside the box goes harmlessly over the target.

25:54

Keith Andrews takes a shot. Jonas Gutierrez gets a block in.

24:48

Billy Jones challenges Demba Ba unfairly and gives away a free kick. Free kick crossed by Yohan Cabaye, Keith Andrews makes a clearance.

23:14

Unfair challenge on James Morrison by Danny Guthrie results in a free kick. Jonas Olsson takes the direct free kick.

21:50

Jonas Gutierrez fouled by Billy Jones, the ref awards a free kick. Tim Krul restarts play with the free kick.

21:33

A cross is delivered by Billy Jones, Headed effort from inside the box by Marc-Antoine Fortune misses to the right of the target.

21:17

The ball is sent over by Liam Ridgewell, clearance by James Perch.

19:08

Yohan Cabaye has an effort at goal from outside the area which misses left.

18:15

Marc-Antoine Fortune is ruled offside. Fabricio Coloccini takes the free kick.

16:58

The ball is sent over by Liam Ridgewell. James Morrison has an effort at goal from just outside the box which goes wide of the left-hand post.

16:33

Corner from right by-line taken by James Morrison.

15:56

Outswinging corner taken right-footed by James Morrison played to the near post, Mike Williamson makes a clearance.

13:27

Corner taken right-footed by James Morrison from the left by-line, Close range header by Liam Ridgewell goes over the bar.

13:05

Corner taken by James Morrison played to the near post, clearance made by Mike Williamson.

11:41

Papiss Cisse provided the assist for the goal.

11:41 Goal scored

Goal - Hatem Ben Arfa - West Brom 0 - 2 Newcastle Goal scored by Hatem Ben Arfa from inside the penalty area to the bottom left corner of the goal. West Brom 0-2 Newcastle.

11:25

The ball is sent over by Keith Andrews, Fabricio Coloccini manages to make a clearance.

8:47

Keith Andrews concedes a free kick for a foul on Demba Ba. Free kick taken by Fabricio Coloccini.

7:29

Effort from just outside the box by Hatem Ben Arfa goes over the bar.

5:30

Hatem Ben Arfa provided the assist for the goal.

5:30 Goal scored

Goal - Papiss Cisse - West Brom 0 - 1 Newcastle Goal scored by Papiss Cisse from close in to the bottom right corner of the goal. West Brom 0-1 Newcastle.

5:23

Hatem Ben Arfa crosses the ball.

5:07

Short corner taken by Yohan Cabaye from the left by-line.

5:00

Yohan Cabaye produces a cross, clearance by Gareth McAuley.

4:36

Inswinging corner taken right-footed by Yohan Cabaye played to the near post, clearance made by Marc-Antoine Fortune.

4:12

Centre by Papiss Cisse, clearance made by Liam Ridgewell. Demba Ba takes a shot. Save by Ben Foster.

3:33

The referee blows for offside against Marc-Antoine Fortune. Fabricio Coloccini restarts play with the free kick.

0:33

Effort on goal by Youssouf Mulumbu from a long way out goes over the bar.

0:00

The match has kicked off.

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