Five things we learned from Newcastle Champions League clash
Kieran Trippier and Joelinton celebrate in the Tofiq Bahramov Republican Stadium
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Newcastle United cruised to victory against Qarabag after a scintillating display that saw them run riot in Baku. The scoreline ended 6-1 but it was the first half performance that did the damage.
Anthony Gordon scored four goals in the first 45 minutes, including two penalties, as the Magpies led 5-0 at half-time, Malick Thiaw getting the other. After the break, Qarabag pulled a goal back but Jacob Murphy added a sixth for the visitors.
It means the second leg at St James' Park should be a formality, setting Newcastle up for a last 16 tie against either Barcelona or Chelsea.
Here's five things we learned from Newcastle's tie in Azerbaijan.
Fans chant tells a story
Newcastle were boosted by almost 2,00 fans who made the 2,529-mile trip from Newcastle to Baku. Several flights and some gruelling hours, but they were done proud by the players, as the journey was made worthwhile.
The Toon Army never stopped singing, understandably. At one point in the first half the chant of 'Geordie boys taking the p---' went up from the away end.
To be fair to Eddie Howe's men, they weren't taking the mickey at all. It was the exact opposite. Newcastle treat Qarabag with respect, putting out a strong side and going for the jugular. They didn't let up in an explosive first period and could realistically have had eight or nine goals.
Howe was slightly disappointed with the second period, though. His standards are so high that seeing his team come off the gas, no matter how understandable it is, won't have pleased him. It may not have been a case of United disrespecting their opponents but no doubt the manager will have reminded his players of those standards.
Gordon in pole position
The decision to start Anthony Gordon through the middle could barely have gone better. The Scouser has a great record in the Champions League and only needed three minutes to grab his opener with a smooth finish.
In truth, he could have had five, twice denied when clean through by the goalkeeper. He slotted his two penalties home emphatically, however.
Gordon started the season as United's central striker as they waited on Nick Woltemade and Yoane Wissa, and with William Osula not ready. He is now arguably first choice there.
Joelinton the peacemaker
The big Brazilian is usually at the centre of any scuffle or dust-up on the pitch. How many times have we seen him being dragged away from a confrontation by a teammate or a member of the coaching staff?
This time, however, Joelinton was the peacemaker after a bout of handbags between Kieran Trippier and Gordon at half-time. The substitute tried to usher Trippier back to the dressing room as they argued coming off the pitch.
Trippier pushed Joelinton away - a brave man to try that. Let's see what happens if/when the roles are reversed.
Jacob Murphy of Newcastle United celebrates scoring his team's sixth goal
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Jacob Murphy celebration
Gordon may take the headlines, but celebration of the day goes to Jacob Murphy. The glee on his face when he hammered home the sixth goal - albeit via a huge deflection - was great to see.
You'd think he'd scored the winner in a thriller, not the sixth in a rout with the game long gone. That's what fans love about Murphy though - his innocence and joy. He's living his best life still.
Worth the wait for Neave
Sean Neave will be buzzing. He finally made his Newcastle debut after countless games on the bench as Howe gave him the last few minutes in Baku.
Neave has had to be patient. Incredibly, it's almost a year since he picked up a Carabao Cup winners medal after being an unused substitute. Who would have thought then that he'd still be waiting 11 months later for his first runout?
There's a good chance he may get more minutes in the second leg with this tie just about all wrapped up.
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