Newcastle United moved back up to fifth in the Premier League table with a 3-0 win at soon-to-be relegated Leicester City.
A brace from Jacob Murphy put the Magpies 2-0 up inside the opening 11 minutes before Harvey Barnes added a third against his former club on the half-hour mark.
Eddie Howe named an unchanged team from last Wednesday’s 2-1 win over Brentford with Alexander Isak, Kieran Trippier and Joelinton overcoming their respective knocks. United were, however, without Anthony Gordon and Joe Willock on the bench.
Gordon had missed the last three matches through suspension but didn’t travel to the King Power Stadium due to an injury he sustained on England duty. Willock, meanwhile, missed out due to the club following concussion protocols.
Leicester threatened after just 20 seconds when Nick Pope denied Jamie Vardy at his near post but less than two minutes later fell behind when Tino Livramento’s low cross was tapped in by Murphy.
Murphy added his second nine minutes later when he reacted quickest to Fabian Schar’s shot from the halfway line that cannoned off the crossbar. In the 34th minute, it was 3-0. Joelinton’s low shot was saved by Madus Hermansen but the loose ball was put home by Barnes.
Our writer Jordan Cronin was at the King Power Stadium - and here are his Newcastle United player ratings.
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Getty Images
2. Nick Pope - 7
Was kept relatively busy in the first-half, despite Newcastle’s attacking dominance. Saved efforts at his near post from Jamie Vardy and Bilal El Khannouss. | Getty Images
3. Kieran Trippier - 7.5
An assured display from the former England international. | Getty Images
4. Fabian Schar - 7.5
Almost scored a goal of the season contender from his own half but his effort hit the crossbar before Murphy followed up the rebound. Him attempting it in the first place sums up his uniqueness. | Getty Images