Ibrahim Oladamola
Joe Willock put two glaring misses behind him to send a dominant Newcastle on their way to a deserved 2-0 win over a toothless Manchester United and third place in the table.
Newcastle midfielder Willock saw one huge opportunity saved by David de Gea on the floor before blazing another effort over before half-time, but he responded with the opener on 65 minutes by heading in from close range after a slick move from the hosts.
Substitute Callum Wilson then put the icing on the cake, heading in a second from a set-piece with three minutes to go to bring Champions League football next season a little closer to St James’ Park.
In truth, the Magpies should have put more past Erik ten Hag’s side, who started Marcus Rashford after he missed international duty with England but only managed one shot on target in a limp display.
The result also means Manchester United could slide down to fifth in the Premier League table should Tottenham avoid defeat at Everton on Monday Night Football, though Spurs would have played two games more than their top-four rivals.
Newcastle have Champions League in their sights
Newcastle have not finished in the Premier League’s top four since 2002-03 but that could be about to change after a standout win at a raucous St James’ Park.
They defeated Manchester United in style and would have won by a more handsome margin had De Gea not pushed Joelinton’s attempt on to the bar, while Fabian Schar’s follow-up was cleared off the line.
In a game played at a frantic pace, Eddie Howe’s side were slicker than their opponents as they made it three league wins in a row.
Newcastle’s fans cheered and waved black-and-white flags at full-time but Howe knows his team have more work to do if they are to play in the Champions League next season.
However, the signs look good. This win was achieved without leading scorer Miguel Almiron who remains injured while Nick Pope produced his 13th clean sheet of the season.
The Newcastle keeper did not have much to do thanks to the work of his defenders, with Dan Burn producing a monumental performance at the back.
