Newcastle won their first game in over a month as the Magpies thrashed Leicester City 4-0 at St. James’ Park on Saturday.
Jacob Murphy opened the scoring inside the opening half hour before Bruno Guimaraes and Alexander Isak each headed home in quick succession to give Newcastle a 3-0 lead by the 50th minute.
Murphy had his second before the hour, latching onto a clever through ball from Isak and firing past a helpless Danny Ward between the sticks.
Only three players have scored 20 or more Premier League goals in a single calendar year for Newcastle – Andy Cole in 1994, Alan Shearer twice in 1999 and 2002 – and now followed by Isak in 2024.
It had been an almost three-week long run of misery and disappointment for Newcastle supporters before a timely three points this afternoon, eradicating a four-game winless streak.
Leicester, who have started brightly under Ruud van Nistelrooy‘s reign, tasted defeat for the first time since the Dutchman stepped into the role at the beginning of the month.
WATCH: Newcastle 4-0 Leicester Highlights
Leicester remain odds-on to be relegated, Newcastle 12/1 for top-four finish
As per the best football betting sites, Newcastle remain distant outsiders in the race for a top-four finish at 12/1 – sitting four points away from a Champions League spot with most of the teams above them possessing a game in hand.
Leicester remain one of the bookmaker’s favourites for relegation straight back down to the Championship at an odds-on 8/11 but on the other hand, this game was always going to be a tough order and they’ve looked lively since Van Nistelrooy took charge.
St. James’ Park has traditionally been a happy hunting ground for the Foxes in recent years, with their six wins in the North East tallying more than they have against any other opponent – five coming in their last seven (now eight) visits.
The hosts picked up a deserved, badly needed victory as Eddie Howe’s man attempt to keep up with the fast pace of the Premier League and manoeuvre their way back into the top half of the table.
