Newcastle United moved up to third in the Premier League table with a 5-0 win over Crystal Palace at St James’ Park.
The Magpies were 4-0 up in the first-half. Jacob Murphy opened the scoring before Marc Guehi netted an own goal. Harvey Barnes and Fabian Schar then increased the advantage in stoppage time.
Alexander Isak then got himself on the scoresheet on the hour-mark as Newcastle cruised to victory.
Newcastle’s starting XI was unchanged for a sixth consecutive game as they went in search of a result that would lift them to third in the Premier League table.
Isak missed a hat-trick of chances inside the opening 10 minutes after being found by Murphy before the winger opened the scoring himself with a powerful strike that caught goalkeeper Dean Henderson out at his near post.
Following a lengthy VAR check, Palace were awarded a penalty in the 36th minute after Nick Pope was penalised for a foul on Chris Richards. Eberechi Eze stepped up and after a stuttered run up saw his effort saved by Pope.
Two minutes later, Newcastle went straight up the other end and made it 2-0 when Harvey Barnes’ low cross was into his own net by Guehi. It was Guehi’s second own goal against the Magpies this season after doing the same in the 1-1 meeting at Selhurst Park in November.
The fourth official signalled seven minutes of stoppage time and United found time to score another two. Barnes was found in space by Sandro Tonali to fire a left-footed finish past Henderson. Schar then headed home a sumptuous free-kick delivery Murphy.
Isak made it 5-0 in the 62nd minute before Jason Tindall - in charge in Eddie Howe’s absence - rang the changes with Saturday’s trip to Aston Villa in mind.
Our writer Jordan Cronin was at St James’ Park and here are his Newcastle United player ratings:
1. GettyImages-2209983557
AFP via Getty Images
2. Nick Pope - 8
Needlessly rushed off his line and conceded a penalty. Admittedly, it was soft but either way he made amends by denying Eberechi Eze. Did everything well. | Getty Images
3. Kieran Trippier - 8
Typically solid down the right. Defended well and enjoyed venturing forward. | AFP via Getty Images
4. Fabian Schar - 8
Dealt with Palace’s physical front line and distributed the ball well. Got on the scoresheet when he headed home Jacob Murphy’s precise delivery. | Getty Images