Instant Reaction: Newcastle 1-0 QPR

Newcastle got a late goal from Moussa Sissoko and earned their fifth straight Premier League.

The story of the first half was undoubtedly Ryan Taylor's injury. After coming back from injury and earning his first start since 2012, Taylor went down with a knee injury about half way through the first half. It was not immedietly clear what happened, but Taylor went down and pointed to his knee when the medics came out. Newcastle players gathered around him, and former Magpie Joey Barton came over to give a word of support as well. Taylor was in tears as he came off.

The injury seemed to deflate the crowd and a Newcastle side that had been flying. The first half saw the Magpies earn seven corners and dominate possession. However, Newcastle could not find the final combination to unlock the QPR defense, and the teams went to halftime scoreless.

Newcastle seemed to bounce back some to begin the second half. The Mags came out applying pressure and winning corners, but again QPR was able to weather the storm. For all their attacking intent, there were few chances on net. With about 20 minutes to go, Papiss Cisse was brought on to try and deliver a spark.

The spark though was delivered by Moussa Sissoko. In the 79th minute, Sissoko found himself on the end of some lovely passing, in which Sammy Ameobi found the Frenchmen in space. Sissoko made no doubt with his shot, and put Newcastle into the lead.

Cisse did have a chance to seal the win in stoppage time, when Sissoko found him on a brilliant pass. Cisse waited patiently, and Sissoko's pass was weighted perfectly to spring the striker in all alone. But, Cisse's effort was weak and QPR was able to clear it away harmlessly.

It wasn't needed though, as Newcastle saw out the 1-0 win and continue their march up the Premier League table.