In a stunning display, Newcastle thrashes Leicester 4-0, concluding their Premier League drought. Explore the match details and key moments of this victory.
Introduction:
Newcastle United delivered a statement victory against Leicester City, securing an emphatic 4-0 win at St. James’ Park to end their four-game Premier League winless streak. Eddie Howe’s side turned on the style in the second half, scoring three goals in the opening 15 minutes to dismantle Ruud van Nistelrooy’s visitors.
This resounding win left Newcastle 11th, outside of the top half of the table, but just on goal difference, and Leicester down to 16th, precariously above the relegation line.
See also: Pickford and Everton Hold Arsenal to Frustrating 0-0 Draw at the Emirates
Newcastle’s Domination in the First Half
Newcastle started the game aggressively, pressing Leicester’s defense from the whistle. Within minutes, Anthony Gordon’s strong shot forced Mads Hermansen to make a great save, while Dan Burn and Bruno Guimarães also had opportunities to take the lead for their side.
In the 29th minute, a beautiful cutback by Gordon found Jacob Murphy. The latter scored his first goal of the season in a composed and incisive manner, making Newcastle a fully deserving winner. See also: Ten-Man Liverpool Held to Thrilling 2-2 Draw by Fulham
Leicester Collapse in Second Half
The visitors did not take long to take charge of the game when the second half began, destroying all Leicester hopes of a fight back.
Bruno Guimarães doubled the lead just two minutes after the restart, nodding in Lewis Hall’s clever flick from a corner. Three minutes later, Hall’s low cross-albeit slightly deflected by Conor Coady-set up Alexander Isak to head in his seventh Premier League goal of the season.
It did not end there as the onslaught continued. At the hour mark, Isak again demonstrated his unselfish play as he ran downfield on a counter-attack to tee up Murphy for his second goal of the night. The Magpies fourth capped off an electric attacking display in which they had scored four league goals in a match for the first time this season.
Lewis Hall excels at left-back
Of course, one of the stand-out performers from the match was 20-year-old Lewis Hall whose emergence this season has sorted out a long-standing problem for Newcastle at left-back.
Hall caused constant problems for Leicester City with his defensive resilience and attacking intent. He provided an assist to the goal from Guimarães as well as involvement in Isak’s header.
The Newcastle fans are already lobbying for his inclusion in the England squad, and with his dynamic performances, he is staking a strong claim. Hall will hope to retain his place in the starting XI for Newcastle’s upcoming EFL Cup quarterfinal clash against Brentford on December 18.
Leicester’s Struggles Despite Determined Effort
Despite the final score line, Ruud van Nistelrooy’s Leicester had some grit and determination in pockets, especially through Stephy Mavididi and Kasey McAteer. Both players offered width and energy on the flanks while diligently tracking back to help the defense.
Mavididi could do nothing about Newcastle’s third, Hall’s cross deflecting off him to Isak, but his and McAteer’s work rate demonstrated how Leicester would fight on with a dominant Newcastle team.
Leicester will look to re-group ahead of this decisive home match against Wolves, which may prove an essential game in their task of avoiding relegation next Sunday.
Eddie Howe tactical brilliance
Eddie Howe’s tactical adjustments paid dividends as Newcastle displayed a perfect blend of defensive stability and attacking flair. The partnership of Murphy and Gordon on the flanks was lethal, while Bruno Guimarães dictated the midfield tempo with precision.
Alexander Isak also demonstrated versatility as he scored while creating chances for his mates. Howe has shown his faith in the youth talent like Hall, and the same continues to give Newcastle the results as their depth and potential.
Important Match Moments
1. Jacob Murphy Cool Finish (29′): Anthony Gordon made a great cutback to find Murphy who calmly scored the opening goal.
2. Bruno Guimarães Doubles the Lead (47′): A well-timed header by Guimarães, after Hall’s flick-on, helped Newcastle breathe.
3. Isak’s Header (50′): Isak headed in his seventh league goal after a low cross by Hall that was slightly deflected by Coady.
4. Murphy Completes the Rout (60′): A flowing counter-attack led by Isak ended with Murphy’s second goal, sealing Newcastle’s dominant victory.
What’s Next
A thoroughly deserved win for Newcastle would restore so much of the confidence they so rightly possess. The EFL Cup quarterfinal is now ahead in the schedule, along with league matches against top-half clubs, and Eddie Howe will take immense heart from this win.
Leicester, on the other hand, have a tough test. They have a big chance to gain points in their game against Wolves, which would help them move away from the relegation zone. Van Nistelrooy would want his team to play more solidly at the back and take their chances in attack.
Key Takeaways
Newcastle Back in Form: A dominating performance put an end to their losing streak, moving them up the table. Lewis Hall breakthrough – a great left back 20-year-old on fine show. Isak proves that versatility in the Scandanavian is at top-class scoring as well as provider, very effective on both Grit on Leicester’s part even when their day had gone by courtesy Mavididi and McAteer work rate and drive still shining so brightly. Newcastle seems to be hitting top gears for that quarter final match. And of course for League Games.