Crossword Genius

West shot the deciding goal (6)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

winner

I'm a little stuck... Click here to teach me more about this clue!

'deciding goal' is the definition.
Although both the answer and definition are singular nouns, I cannot understand how they can define each other.

'west shot' is the wordplay.
'west' becomes 'W' (synonyms).
'shot' becomes 'inner' (I've seen this before).
'w'+'inner'='WINNER'

'the' is the link.

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for winner that I've seen before include "Champion" , "One succeeds" , "Conqueror" , "The champ" , "film director" .)

I've seen this clue in the Evening Standard.
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