Newcastle United moved up to second in the Premier League standings when they defeated Leicester City 3-0 away from home at the King Power Stadium on Boxing Day.
Las Urracas scored their three goals in the first 32 minutes and destroyed the local defense.
With just two minutes left on the clock, Daniel Amartey brought Joelinton down with a Stonewall penalty that Newcastle striker Chris Wood saved with aplomb.
Leicester outclassed by Howe side
Eddie Howe’s side outclassed the hosts and were rewarded with a second goal seven minutes later thanks to Miguel Almiron’s brilliant finish.
The Paraguayan, who has been in impressive form this season, received the ball on the right flank, played a quick one-two with Bruno Guimaraes before maintaining his composure to finish past Danny Ward.
While the finish was brilliant, Guimaraes’ pass opened up Leicester’s defence. Newcastle were cruising and the Foxes barely had a reply as they were outplayed all over the pitch.
Joelinton added a third with a powerful header from Keiran Tripper’s corner to add to the misery at Leicester.
The Brazilian midfielder leaped past Boubakary Soumare to find Tripper’s delivery from the right flank to score past the helpless Ward into the Leicester goal.
Leicester looked better in the second half and came close to having their first when Harvey Branes dragged his effort inches wide.
Vardy looked brilliant from the bench
Substitute Jamie Vardy tested Newcastle’s defense with his quick runs, but the traveling team kept a clean sheet to give them five straight Premier League wins.
This was also their tenth win from 11 games in all competitions.
Newcastle are currently on 33 points from 16 games, four points behind table leaders Arsenal, having played two more games.
Howe’s side will remain in second place, one point above Manchester City, with the defending champions taking on Leeds United at Elland Road later on Wednesday.
Photo Credit: IMAGO/PA Images
