Newcastle United moved up to fifth in the Premier League table with a 3-0 win against 10-man Aston Villa.
Anthony Gordon handed the Magpies the lead after just two minutes before Jhon Duran saw red for a stamp on Fabian Schar in the 32nd minute. Alexander Isak then made 2-0 on the hour-mark and Joelinton rounded the afternoon with a late strike.
Eddie Howe made two changes from the 4-0 win at Ipswich Town. Kieran Tripper replaced Tino Livramento - who missed out because of illness - at right-back while Joelinton was restored to the starting XI in place of Joe Willock after serving a one-match suspension last time out.
The Magpies took the lead just two minutes in when Gordon beautifully picked out the top corner with his right-footed shot. It was the winger’s fourth goal of the campaign.
After growing into the game, Villa were reduced to 10 men in the 32nd minute when Duran stamped on the back of Fabian Schar. Referee Anthony Taylor awarded the red card and VAR did not intervene.
Newcastle then doubled their in the 60th minute when Isak netted from close-range. The Swede took his tally to 12 goals in all competitions this season.
The offside flag then prevented Isak and Bruno Guimaraes from extending United’s lead. But there was no denying Joelinton in the closing stages who made it 3-0.
Our writer Jordan Cronin was St James’ Park - and here are his Newcastle United player ratings:
1. GettyImages-2191479973
Getty Images
2. Martin Dubravka - 7
A good diving save to keep out Lucas Digne’s free-kick in the first-half. Another quiet afternoon for the Slovakian. | Getty Images
3. Kieran Trippier - 8
Reminded everyone of what a top right-back he is. Booked early on but that didn’t distract him from his defensive task. Brought a good balance going forward too. | Getty Images
4. Fabian Schar - 7.5
At the centre of a defining moment when he was stamped on by Jhon Duran. Dealt with Villa’s strikers well. Good with the ball. | Getty Images