Darren Fletcher finally ended the frustration of Tony Pulis to shift the focus away from striker Saido Berahino.
Berahino was expected to play in this game but Pulis insisted he was fortunate to be among the substitutes after an alleged disciplinary issue.
Pulis said before the game: “He’s lucky to be on the bench, never mind starting. Sometimes things go on at football clubs that you people don’t see and don’t realise. He’s a smashing kid but he lets himself down at times.
“I’m an experienced manager and things go on which determine whether a player is in a team or not.”
Darren Fletcher heads West Brom in front
Fletcher pounced with his first goal of the season 12 minutes from time to secure West Bromwich Albion a crucial victory that keeps Newcastle below the dreaded dotted line.
Newcastle's players were booed off at the final whistle by the travelling supporters and endured chants of "you're going down with the Villa" from the West Brom fans.
But this was a victory Pulis undoubtedly needed after coming under attack from those same fans for his team selection and tactics in the Boxing Day defeat at Swansea.
Pulis’s heat map in the technical area would have needed protective gloves as he constantly wheeled around in frustration at the profligacy of his players.
Yet Fletcher’s header enabled Albion to pick up their first win in six games on a day when Berahino was placed firmly on the naughty step.
Newcastle's Paul Dummett contests a header with West Brom's Craig Dawson
It meant a surprise inclusion for Victor Anichebe, who had not started a league game since May, when he scored against Newcastle last season.
But Anichebe was a constant threat in the early stages as visiting goalkeeper Karl Darlow – making his first league start after Rob Elliot pulled out before kick-off – endured a relentless introduction.
Fabricio Coloccini cleared James Morrison’s close-range off the line before Darlow pushed away Morrison’s drive from 20 yards.
Newcastle also contributed to a lively opening with Boaz Myhill required to keep out a low shot from Georginio Wijnaldum.
With home games against Arsenal and Manchester United in the league up next for Newcastle, this was clearly a game Steve McClaren was desperate not to lose and the defending was at times frantic.
They came close to taking the lead ten minutes into the second half when Paul Dummett headed against the crossbar and then Coloccini backheeled the loose ball onto the outside of the post.
Tony Pulis needed this win
Aleksandar Mitrovic should also have done better when he created space for himself in the penalty area but his miscued shot was deflected over the bar by Chris Brunt.
Albion were drifting out the game and Pulis had to make a change, introducing Berahino with 20 minutes remaining.
Suddenly there was more urgency, with Anichebe heading Stephane Sessegnon’s corner against the bar before Fletcher finally ended Pulis’ torment on the touchline.
After a sustained period of pressure Craig Dawson’s floated cross found Fletcher unmarked and the midfielder’s header squeezed under Darlow.
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