Newcastle United outclass Crystal Palace to maintain Premier League momentum

Newcastle United produced a scintillating performance at St James' Park to thrash Crystal Palace 4-0 on Saturday and move up to fifth in the Premier League.

Eddie Howe's side started the day just one point and once place ahead of Palace but were in control from the moment Jacob Murphy's fourth-minute goal was allowed to stand by VAR, with Anthony Gordon and Sean Longstaff making it 3-0 before the break.

Striker Callum Wilson added a fourth in the second half when Newcastle were able to make multiple changes with one eye on their midweek home Champions League clash with Borussia Dortmund.

Midfielder Sandro Tonali, who is subject to an investigation into allegations of betting breaches, was among those brought on and the Italy international was given a rousing reception from home fans.

Since losing at Brighton at the beginning of September, Newcastle have enjoyed a return to the sort of form that saw them secure a top-four finish last season.

The are now eight games unbeaten in all competitions – scoring 22 goals and conceding just three – and will head into the Dortmund game on Wednesday night brimming with confidence.

“We had some really nice passages of play, had some really good goal scoring opportunities,” said Howe. "I am delighted with the attitude of the players.

“Jacob Murphy was excellent today, he was a constant threat. That first goal was huge in the match because Crystal Palace defend very well.

“He [Anthony Gordon] has to score being an attacking player but he wants to score, he is very driven by scoring and creating. He could have had another today and I am delighted with his contribution.”

Newcastle's opening goal came when Kieran Trippier cushioned Fabian Schar’s long pass perfectly into the path of