Newcastle United took firm control of the EFL Championship title race after defeating rivals and third-placed side Huddersfield Town 1-3 at the Kirklees Stadium on Saturday evening.
Having beaten their closest rivals Brighton & Hove Albion earlier this week, Rafael Benitez’s side opened up a considerable lead over Huddersfield with an impressive victory.
It was a great start for Newcastle as they looked to soak up the pressure from the home team and hit them on the break. Matt Ritchie soon handed Magpies the lead from the penalty spot after he was fouled by Nhaki Williams. Veteran striker Daryl Murphy made it 2-0 in the 35th minute, making sure Newcastle went into the break sitting in the driver’s seat.
Huddersfield came hard at the visitors post the break and laid siege to the Newcastle defence and eventually found a way through in the 72nd minute when Aaron Mooy scored from a penalty after Jonjo Shelvey brought down Elias Kachunga. However, it was Magpies who had the last laugh, as the returning Dwight Gayle added a third in the injury time to seal three points for his team.
The win sees Newcastle open up a five-point lead at the top over Brighton, with the Seagulls losing their game to Nottingham Forest earlier in the day. Following another impressive result by Benitez’s men, let’s take a look who was the stand-out Newcastle player on the night:
Newcastle United Player Ratings
Karl Darlow – 7/10
Made a few crucial stops, keeping his side in the game. There wasn’t much he could do about the penalty in the second half from Mooy.
Vurnon Anita – 6/10
Made his first appearance after returning from injury and looked at home at right-back. Defended solidly, got forward well, but the end product wasn’t always there.
Jamaal Lascelles – 7/10
The captain did not put a foot wrong against a strong Huddersfield attack. Another typically solid performance in the heart of the defence.
Ciaran Clark – 7/10
Continued his impressive partnership with Lascelles by putting in a sturdy display, withstanding and soaking up pressure from waves of attacks from the Terriers.
Paul Dummett – 7/10
Dealt with the threat of Elias Kachunga on the flank with great ease. A few misplaced passes aside, it was another decent outing for the left-back.
Jack Colback – 5/10
Another unconvincing display from the midfielder. Was booked early in the game for a silly challenge and failed to impose himself on the proceedings.
Jonjo Shelvey – 6/10
Played a fine ball in the lead-up to the second goal for his team. But he gave away a harsh penalty in the second half, which allowed a way back for Huddersfield.
Matt Ritchie – 8/10
One of his best displays in recent weeks. Won and converted a penalty within 10 minutes of the kick-off. Was a constant thorn to the Terriers defence with his pace. His work-rate was also exceptional.
Mohamed Diame – 5/10
Another below par performance from the 28-year old. His first touch seemed to be lacking. Ineffectual and uninspiring.
Christian Atsu – 6/10
Was dealt with well by the Huddersfield defence, but the Chelsea loanee did have a few bright moments.
Daryl Murphy – 7/10
Threw himself around, offering a physical presence at the top for Newcastle. Scored the second goal for his team after capitalizing on a mistake by Danny Ward.
Substitutes
Dwight Gayle – 7/10
The top goalscorer for Newcastle and in the Championship returned to action from injury, coming on for Murphy in the 65th minute. Added one more to his tally in the injury time.
Yoan Gouffran – 6/10
Replaced Colback for the last twenty minutes. Did nothing of note.
De Andre Yedlin – N/A
Came on with under 10 minutes left to play, to replace Atsu.