We asked Davey Hat-Trick to give us his match ratings and player comments after Newcastle 4 Leicester 0.
That is about as relaxed as I can remember being at a Newcastle game.
Leicester were awful and Newcastle put them to the sword.
We weren’t perfect, and missed a few good chances, but we never looked like coming away without three points. We even managed to score from couple of excellent set-piece routines.
Apart from Dubravka, this was the side that did so well against Liverpool, and for me, this is our first XI.
Everyone played well, everyone looked comfortable, and there wasn’t a part of the pitch we didn’t dominate.
Of course, the challenge now is to match this level of performance in the next few games. We really are a good side when we want to be. Let’s hope we want to be every time
Martin Dubravka – 8
It’s hard to mark a keeper who had one routine save and a couple of crosses to deal with.
He’ll have more difficult afternoons but he did just fine.
Tino Livramento – 8
Made a couple of errors but was very good for the most part.
Was on the front foot for most of the game and if you want my honest opinion, I think he’s more of an attacking RB than a defensive one.
Fabian Schar – 8
Far more like it.
Imperious in defence and accomplished on the ball.
After this game, Jamie Vardy will be looking forward to retirement.
Dan Burn – 8
BDB had a great game.
Again, Leicester couldn’t be accused of giving him a hard game, but he was comfortable throughout and came close to scoring.
Lewis Hall – 10
A monumental performance from Lewis, who is getting steadily better.
If there is a full back in Europe who played better than our man this weekend, he must be some player.
If Hall carries on like this, he’ll get 100 caps for England.
He was absolutely faultless and got an assist and a half. Well played.
Sandro Tonali – 9
I was disappointed to see him rested for the Brentford game and delighted to see him back for this one.
He truly is a class act. Lovely touch, good tackler, but above all, reads the game like only the very best do.
Bruno Guimaraes – 8
Good from our captain.
You’d expect a Brazilian international to do well against a midfield of Hamza Choudhury and Oliver Skipp, he did just that.
Head and shoulders above the Leicester midfield. Capped off his performance with a smartly taken headed goal.
Joelinton – 7
Joe just did what was required and kept it tidy.
Passed well and covered a lot of ground.
Picked up a yellow card, which means he’ll miss the trip to Ipswich next week. I’m hoping we won’t miss him.
Jacob Murphy – 9
Two good goals and a decent all-round display.
To be fair, he could have scored four, but he did fine, and despite his limitations, is currently our best option on the right wing, in my humble opinion.
Alexander Isak – 8
Missed a sitter, scored an opportunist’s goal, and was excellent on the ball for the most part.
Brought others – notably Murphy – into play. A class act.
Anthony Gordon – 9
For me, AG has been a bit hit-and-miss this season, but this was a thoroughly good performance.
He was hungry, sharp and creative.
Could have scored a first half goal and will have given the Leicester right back nightmares.
Subs
Kieran Trippier – 7
Looked the most comfortable of our subs.
Nothing spectacular but slotted straight in. I’m not sure I’m ready to sell him.
Harvey Barnes – 6
Tried his best but he’s not at home on the right and didn’t make much of an impact.
Sean Longstaff – 6
Looked OK. Seemed to be up for it.
With Joe’s yellow ruling him out of the Ipswich game, we may need him.
William Osula – 6
Had a couple of good touches and showed a bit of pace and power.
With Wilson crocked, I’d like to see him given more minutes. Otherwise, what’s the point?
Joe Willock N/A
Didn’t have time to do much but did have time to get flattened by one of Leicester’s cloggers. I was glad to see him get to his feet.
Newcastle 4 Leicester 0 – Saturday 14 December 3pm
(Stats via BBC Sport)
Goals:
Newcastle United :
Murphy 30, 60 Bruno 47 Isak 50
Leicester:
Possession was Newcastle 60% Leicester 40%
Total shots were Newcastle 27 Leicester 4
Shots on target were Newcastle 11 Leicester 1
Corners were Newcastle 5 Leicester 2
Touches in the box Newcastle 53 Leicester 9
Newcastle team v Leicester:
Dubravka, Livramento (Trippier 65), Schar, Burn, Hall, Tonali, Bruno (Longstaff 65), Joelinton, Murphy (Barnes 65), Isak (Osula 73), Gordon (Willock 81)
Unused Subs:
Vlachodimos, Targett, Almiron, Kelly
(BBC Sport comments from ‘neutrals’ – Very interesting on Newcastle United after win v Leicester – Read HERE)
(Newcastle 4 Leicester 0 – Instant Newcastle United fan/writer reaction – Read HERE)
(Newcastle 4 Leicester 0 – If his next outing proves just as easy, United should be playing in the League Cup semi-finals again – Read HERE)
Newcastle United upcoming matches:
Wednesday 18 December – Newcastle v Brentford (7.45pm) Sky Sports+ (Carabao Cup)
Saturday 21 December – Ipswich v Newcastle (3pm)
Thursday 26 December – Newcastle v Villa (3pm) Amazon
Monday 30 December – Man U v Newcastle (8pm) Sky Sports
Saturday 4 January – Tottenham v Newcastle (12.30pm) TNT Sports
Sunday 12 January – Newcastle v Bromley (3pm) BBC iPlayer (FA Cup)
Wednesday 15 January – Newcastle v Wolves (7.30pm) TNT Sports
Saturday 18 January – Newcastle v Bournemouth (12.30pm) TNT Sports
Saturday 25 January – Southampton v Newcastle (3pm)
Saturday 1 February – Newcastle v Fulham (3pm)
Saturday 15 February – Man City v Newcastle (3pm)
Sunday 23 February – Newcastle v Forest (Time TBC) Sky Sports