Newcastle United’s fine form continued as they dismantled lowly Leicester City without breaking a sweat on Monday night.
The fixture was over as a contest with 10 minutes on the clock after Jacob Murphy twice tapped in with ease as Newcastle United tore a hapless Leicester City defence to shreds.
Eddie Howe’s side hardly had to move out of first gear yet still managed to add a third before the break, with Harvey Barnes bagging against his former club.
The second half was a dull affair with the Magpies taking their foot off the gas and the complete battering that was promised early on didn’t materialise.
Here’s how the players rated in the 3-0 win.
Nick Pope – 8
Forced into action in the opening seconds with a smart stop before Newcastle took the lead and called into action on a couple more occasions, which he was level to. Alert to danger and commanding at set pieces.
Kieran Trippier – 7
Given a bit of a tough time early on by the pacey Bilal El-Khannouss but won all of his duels and completed all of his dribbles in a steady, if unspectacular, performance.
Fabian Schar – 8
Audaciously hit the cross-bar from his own half to set up Murphy’s second. Kept Leicester’s threats at bay with little stress.
Dan Burn – 8
The scoreline might not suggest it but Leicester actually got forward quite a bit and Dan Burn had to be on hand to deal with some trouble, especially from Patson Daka. He was also fantastic on the ball, completing 100% of his passing in the first half.
Tino Livramento – 8
It was another fantastic performance on his unnatural side for Tino Livramento, whose confidence and quality on his weaker left foot set up the opener with a great cross.
He sprinted forward into fields of space throughout and knocked the ball about with swagger as he linked up with Barnes and Joelinton.
Bruno Guimaraes – 7
A comfortable evening in which his usual intensity wasn’t required. Efficient on the ball without anything standing out. Taken off just past the hour.
Sandro Tonali – 7
Perhaps passed by in the midfield a little too easily at times but it didn’t exactly matter. Tidy in possession.
Joelinton – 8
A really strong performance from Joelinton, whose expansive passing to the flanks helped overwhelm the Foxes on the way to an easy victory. Hustled and bustled as if the game wasn’t done and dusted early on.
Jacob Murphy – 9
Murphy’s alertness to potential chances and willingness to gamble on them saw him add another two goals to his growing contribution tally. Lively throughout.
Alexander Isak – 7
A fairly quiet night by his standards, especially given the (lack of) quality of the opposition. Looked a little leggy, yet, Alexander Isak was still involved in the third goal.
Harvey Barnes – 8
Whisper it, but Barnes appears to be getting back to his best form. He wasn’t against a difficult opponent by any means but this was another showing of exciting, direct attacking play.
There was some lovely interplay with Livramento, especially for the opener, and he got a deserved goal when he drove the ball up the field, followed his run and was on hand to turn home a rebound.
Substitutes
Lewis Miley – 6
Worked hard.
Sean Longstaff – 6
Kept things tight.
William Osula – 6
Fans were begging for William Osula to get a chance and it finally came with 20 minutes to go. Looked exciting with his few touches of the ball.
Callum Wilson – 5
Offered little.
Emil Krafth – 6
Came on with a couple of minutes left.
Receive a digest of our best Newcastle content each week direct to your mailbox
