Premier League: Murphy's quickfire double guides Newcastle to fifth

IANS April 8, 2025 159 views

Newcastle United delivered a commanding performance against Leicester City, securing a crucial 3-0 victory that boosts their Champions League qualification prospects. Jacob Murphy's quickfire double in the first half set the tone for the match, with Harvey Barnes adding a third goal before halftime. The win propels Newcastle to fifth place, just one point behind Manchester City with a game in hand. Leicester, meanwhile, continues to struggle, facing potential relegation with their ongoing home match losing streak.

"A massive win for us. We started really well and that gave us the foundation to go and win" - Eddie Howe, Newcastle Manager
Leicester, April 8: Newcastle United boosted their hopes of UEFA Champions League qualification and pushed Leicester City closer to relegation with a crushing 3-0 win at King Power Stadium.

Key Points

1

Murphy's two early goals decisively break Leicester's resistance

2

Newcastle moves within one point of Manchester City

3

Leicester sinks deeper into relegation danger

4

Howe's team continues impressive Premier League form

After several rivals for a top-four Premier League finish dropped points over the weekend, Newcastle took their chance to go fifth in the table with an emphatic showing.

Jacob Murphy's quickfire double gave Eddie Howe's men a two-goal advantage early on at the King Power Stadium, before Harvey Barnes turned home a third before the break.

While Newcastle with one game in hand, go one point clear of Manchester City and are only behind Chelsea on goal difference, Leicester stay 15 points adrift of 17th-placed Wolverhampton Wanderers, with only 21 points to play for.

"Really pleased. A massive win for us. We knew it wasn't going to be easy. We started really well and that gave us the foundation to go and win," Newcastle manager Howe said.

Leicester coach Ruud van Nistelrooy said, "It's clear where it went wrong very early in the game again.

"If we look at the three goals carefully we could have done better in all three. Newcastle are deadly on counter attack and finished the game very quickly."

Newcastle have won 11 of their last 15 Premier League matches (L4), starting with a 4-0 win over Leicester on 14th December; only Liverpool (38) have more points in the competition since then than the Magpies' 33.

Leicester are the first side in the top four tiers of English football to lose eight successive home league matches without scoring.

Reader Comments

S
Sarah P.
What a performance from Murphy! Two goals in quick succession completely changed the game. Newcastle looking dangerous for that Champions League spot 👏 #HWTL
M
Mike T.
As a Leicester fan, this is painful to watch week after week. We need major changes in defense - conceding early goals has become a pattern. Respect to Newcastle though, they took their chances well.
J
Jamie L.
Eddie Howe has transformed this Newcastle team! From relegation candidates to Champions League contenders in 18 months. The owners must be delighted with their investment paying off.
R
Raj K.
While Newcastle's attack was impressive, I think the scoreline flatters them a bit. Leicester had some decent spells but just couldn't finish. Both teams showed why they're where they are in the table.
T
Tasha W.
Murphy deserves all the praise today! But let's not forget the whole team effort - that third goal was beautiful teamwork. Can't wait for the next match! ⚫⚪

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Tags:
Premier League Newcastle United Jacob Murphy Eddie Howe Leicester City Champions League Qualification Football
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