A late, late positive cameo from substitute Jacob Murphy might well have worked his way into Steve Bruce’s thinking while Andy Carroll’s impact off the bench played its part.
Here’s who Liam Kennedy picked as out as the plus points and the not so good, with Jonjo Shelvey not scoring too high in the ratings...
1. Martin Dubravka - 6
Rarely called into action to be fair. But when he was needed, as ever, he was a calming, positive influence from the back. Photo: Stu Forster
2. Emil Krafth - 6
Managed to creep up from a 5 at half-time. Awful in the first, improved in the second. Still very, very limited. Javier Manquillo must return at Brighton. Photo: Stu Forster
3. Jamaal Lascelles - 8
Defensively solid from the skipper. Throughout the 90 he did the simple things well. And popped up with his second crucial goal in a few weeks. Photo: Clive Brunskill
4. Ciaran Clark - 6
Excellent performance against his former club - until the deflected goal at the end. A cruel one for the defender. Photo: OWEN HUMPHREYS