Newcastle United moved into the top four of the Premier League table with a 3-0 win over Wolverhampton Wanderers at St James’ Park.
Alexander Isak continued his fine goalscoring run with a strike in either half while Anthony Gordon was once again on the scoresheet. The Magpies claimed a ninth consecutive win in all competitions for the first time during the same top-flight season.
Eddie Howe made nine changes from Sunday’s FA Cup third round win over Bromley. Alexander Isak, Sven Botman and Jacob Murphy were passed fit following their recent knocks, while Sandro Tonali, Anthony Gordon, Lewis Hall, Tino Livramento, Dan Burn and Bruno Guimaraes were recalled.
Fabian Schar dropped out of the matchday squad through illness which handed a recall to Emil Krafth following two months out with a broken collarbone.
A scrappy start to the game was reflected by the opening goal when Isak’s shot took a big deflection off Rayan Ait-Nouri on its way past Jose Sa. Not that Swede cared mind as he broke Alan Shearer’s record by scoring for an eighth consecutive Premier League game.
Isak then doubled United’s lead just before the hour-mark when he got on the end of a Guimaraes pass. Isak turned provider when he set up Gordon.
Our writer Jordan Cronin was at St James’ Park - and here his Newcastle United player ratings:
5. Dan Burn - 7.5
Had one iffy moment when Matheus Cunha turned him but otherwise solid. Is undroppable at the moment. | Getty Images
6. Lewis Hall - 7
A constant threat going forward but caught out a couple of times defensively. Technically excellent at times. | Getty Images
7. Sandro Tonali - 8
Ran the game from the midfield with a number of smart passes. Relentless from start to finish. | Getty Images
8. Bruno Guimaraes - 7
A slow start but became more involved from the half-hour mark. Claimed an assist with a brilliant pass to Alexander Isak. | Getty Images