Newcastle United`s impressive season continues to gain momentum as they secured a dominant 3-0 victory over Leicester City, significantly boosting their chances of Champions League qualification.
Jacob Murphy`s two early goals set the tone for the match, paving the way for Eddie Howe`s team to move closer to a coveted Champions League spot.
Murphy`s second goal was particularly memorable, capitalizing on a remarkable 60-yard shot from Fabian Schar that struck the crossbar.
Building on their Carabao Cup triumph over Liverpool three weeks prior, Newcastle now sits fifth in the Premier League, firmly in contention for European football`s premier competition.
Conversely, Leicester City`s season spirals further downwards. Relegation looms large for the Foxes, who were effectively defeated by halftime. Their former player, Harvey Barnes, compounded their misery by scoring Newcastle`s third goal on his first return to the King Power Stadium since his £39 million transfer to Newcastle two years ago.
Leicester`s woes are underscored by an unprecedented and unwanted record: they are the first team in Football League history to lose eight consecutive home games without scoring.
Their last Premier League goal at home was in December, and they haven`t found the net at home since a victory against Tottenham in January.
This latest defeat marks their eighth in a row, making their descent into the Championship increasingly likely.
The decision to sack Steve Cooper in November, when Leicester was 16th, appears to have spectacularly backfired for the club`s management.
Harry Winks was again absent from the Leicester squad, reportedly due to a disagreement with manager Ruud van Nistelrooy.
Leicester did create an early chance when Jamie Vardy tested Nick Pope in the first minute, but Newcastle quickly responded and took control.
Barnes`s precise cross from the left flank found Murphy at the far post for the opening goal.
Van Nistelpooy`s frustration was evident in the technical area as Newcastle extended their lead. Schar`s audacious long-range attempt caught Hermansen off guard and, after hitting the bar, Murphy was on hand to score the rebound.
The home crowd`s discontent was audible as they chanted “You’re not fit to wear the shirt.”
While Bilal El Khannouss briefly rallied Leicester with a shot that forced Pope into another save, Newcastle soon added a third. Barnes, against his former team, finished from close range after Joelinton`s shot was saved, ensuring Newcastle`s comfortable lead.
Barnes notably refrained from celebrating out of respect for Leicester.
Leicester`s misfortune was further highlighted when Patson Daka`s 20-yard shot struck both posts before being collected by Pope.
A rare moment of positivity for Leicester fans came when 15-year-old Jeremy Monga made his debut as a substitute, eliciting the loudest cheer of the evening.
Despite Leicester`s efforts to avoid a record-breaking defeat, Newcastle maintained control in the second half, ultimately securing a comprehensive 3-0 victory.
