NEWCASTLE, England — Newcastle United boosted their hopes for UEFA Champions League qualification with a decisive 3-0 victory over Leicester City at King Power Stadium on Saturday. The result is a heavy blow to Leicester’s fight against relegation, leaving them 15 points adrift of safety.
Newcastle needed to capitalize on other top teams dropping points that weekend, and they did just that, clinching fifth place in the Premier League table. The Magpies came out strong, scoring two goals within the first 11 minutes. The first came from Murphy, who converted a cross to open the scoring. Just minutes later, Schar attempted a daring shot from beyond the halfway line that hit the crossbar, with Murphy quick to collect the rebound and slot it home, making it 2-0.
Leicester struggled throughout the match, failing to convert their chances, including a moment late in the first half when a shot hit both posts but was ultimately cleared. Former Leicester player Barnes added a third goal for Newcastle in the 34th minute after Hermansen parried a shot, tapping it in for an easy finish.
Newcastle demonstrated a relentless offense, slicing through Leicester’s defense. While the Foxes’ attack showed a brief glance of hope, including a promising effort from Daka that was ruled offside, they ultimately left the pitch without scoring once again. This marked a disheartening record for Leicester, becoming the first English team in history to lose eight consecutive home matches without finding the back of the net.
“If we look at the three goals carefully we could have done better in all three,” Leicester’s manager said post-match. “Newcastle are deadly on the counter-attack.”
Newcastle’s performance showed no signs of slowdown after their recent EFL Cup triumph. Manager Eddie Howe expressed satisfaction with the team’s start. “We knew it wasn’t going to be easy. We started really well and that gave us the foundation to go and win,” he said. His side’s win places them firmly in the Champions League race as they enjoy a one-point lead over Manchester City, while remaining in hot pursuit of the teams above them.
Leicester’s manager Ruud van Nistelrooy noted the need for a stronger defensive response in upcoming matches. “We’ll try to do better next time,” he said, reflecting on the team’s ongoing struggles. Leicester’s next challenge sees them facing Wolverhampton, where they need points desperately to revive their survival hopes.
With Newcastle winning 11 of their last 15 Premier League encounters, the momentum is on their side as they prepare for a clash against a present-out-of-form Manchester United squad next Sunday. The Magpies hope to continue their Champions League quest, as their strong showing this season keeps them in the conversation for European football next year.
As the season winds down, each match proves crucial for both ends of the table. For Newcastle, the push for a Champions League spot intensifies, while Leicester finds itself at risk of dropping into the Championship unless they can turn their fortunes around in the upcoming games.
