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:
9. Joelinton - 6.5
Physically imposing but sloppy with the ball. Kept battling and got into some advanced positions. | Getty Images
10. Jacob Murphy - 6.5
Was the main threat for large parts of the first-half, forcing Jose Sa into two first-half saves. Faded as the game went on. | Getty Images
11. Anthony Gordon - 7
Was energetic and persistent. Got his rewards in the second-half with his fifth goal in six games. | Getty Images
12. Alexander Isak - 8
Simply unstoppable at the moment. Two goals and an assist. What more can you say? | Getty Images