The Magpies strolled to a comfortable victory against the league’s bottommost side at the Saint James’ Park on Saturday evening, with goals from Murphy, Perez and a brace from Ritchie ensuring Benitez’s men remained atop the league table.
The Irish striker was the only striker available for selection following injuries to Dwight Gayle and Aleksandar Mitrovic, and he proved his worth by scoring in the stoppage time of the 1st half – his 3rd goal in as many games to ease the pressure on the dominant hosts.
4 minutes after the play was resumed, Ritchie’s rebound after Yoan Gouffran’s shot was parried away kept things easier for Newcastle, while the defensive visitors had no reply whatsoever except for a Darlow error that almost gifted Jerry Yates a goal.
A minute to the one hour mark, it was Perez’s turn to find the back of the net as his near-post header ensured he got a first goal in almost 3 months. Some 18 minutes later, Ritchie completed his brace after the returning Shelvey nicely teed him up.
The result – Newcastle’s biggest home win thus far saw them return to the top of the log after Brighton’s 2-1 victory over Wednesday on Friday night briefly made them drop to 2nd.
Here is how the Premier League-bound players performed.
Darlow
His error might have seen the game change course if the Millers had converted, but he made up with a goalline clearance and some superb saves afterwards.
Rating: 8/10
Lascelles
Was hardly worked for much of the game as the visitors did all the defending, but he helped contribute to the attack.
Rating: 7/10
Dummett
The Welsh fullback was at his best in a game that didn’t need much of his services, with his 75 touches ensuring things were easy at the back.
Rating: 7/10
Clark
Definitely the best defender for the evening, with his 16 clearances and 121 touches keeping the visitors at an arm’s length.
Rating: 8/10
Yedlin
No Newcastle defender has assisted more goals than the right-back after his perfect crosses provided the 2nd and 3rd goals of the game, while he maintained his brilliant form all game.
Rating: 9/10
Hayden
Didn’t have to do all the work in the middle of the pack with Shelvey back, but he still put in a great effort alongside the returning veteran to keep it tight.
Rating: 8/10
Gouffran
The inconsistencies of the French winger continued as he was often missing at some points in the game before being withdrawn.
Rating: 6/10
Shelvey
Despite missing a sitter, the English midfielder was a touch of class that had been missing all along as he got hold of the game by the scruff of the neck while Newcastle played Rotherham off the park.
Rating: 9/10
Ritchie
Scored his 10th goal of the season with his brace in what was another attacking master class from the Scot.
Rating: 9/10
Murphy
Deputized well in the absence of the first-choice strikers to notch a goal in a 3rd consecutive game.
Rating: 8/10
Pérez
Could have easily bagged a brace following a crucial miss in the 1st half, but it was an impressive performance from the Spaniard.
Rating: 8/10
SUBSTITUTES
Ameobi
Made his Championship debut and was promising with the crosses.
Could provide the wingers competition.
Rating: 6/10
Lazaar
Cameo appearance.
Rating: Not Available
Sterry
Late Sub.
Rating: Not Available