Newcastle United are up to second in the Premier League as they brushed Leicester City aside with ease on their return to Premier League action. The Magpies netted three times in the opening half an hour at the King Power Stadium to leave Brendan Rodgers' side crushed.
Chris Wood made no mistake from the penalty spot just 90 seconds into the tie, before Miguel Almiron and Joelinton added to the scoreline in the early stages. Leicester, buoyed by the half-time introduction of Jamie Vardy, tried to fight their way back into the game after the interval but failed to break down Newcastle's resilient back line.
Here are five things we learned from the King Power Stadium clash.
READ MORE: Leicester City 0-2 Newcastle United highlights and reaction
Big momentum questioned answered
As we waved goodbye to the World Cup and welcomed club football back with open arms, one question dominated more than any other: 'Will the World Cup break impact Newcastle's momentum?'. The Magpies' response to any lingering doubts could not have been more emphatic as they raced into a two-goal lead just six minutes into their top flight return.
Leicester, so often used as the benchmark for mid-table sides with dreams of breaking up the big six, were left shellshocked and fittingly punch-drunk on Boxing Day as Rodgers watched on in horror on the sidelines. Not even the most diehard of Newcastle fans expected such a flourish from the first whistle on Monday.
Eddie Howe's men were sluggish, at times, during the midweek win over Bournemouth but that cup runout undoubtedly blew away any cobwebs that had gathered during the World Cup. Leeds up next as Newcastle try to continue this run of form which does not look like coming to an end any time soon.
Goals galore despite striker struggles
Much has been made of the incredible defensive improvement on Tyneside as Nick Pope and the four titans in front of him continue to keep the ball out with ease. However, Howe's men are proving just as efficient at the other end of the pitch.
The rout at the King Power means Newcastle have now scored three or more goals in six different Premier League games this season. The three goals they stuck beyond the Foxes comes after notching four down at Fulham and Southampton respectively, another four when Aston Villa came to town and another five when it was Brentford's turn for a beating. There's also the small matter of sticking three beyond Premier League champions Manchester City.
Newcastle's attacking dominance comes after a season of unfortunate injury problems to three key outlets at the top end of the pitch. Allan Saint-Maximin continues to try and re-find full fitness after a string of niggling problems this term. The Frenchman was enjoying arguably one of his best periods at the club before he was forced onto the sidelines.
Callum Wilson, absent through illness for the Leicester win, is another who can never go a full campaign without watching some of the action from the treatment table. The England forward has enjoyed a relatively successful season to date on the injury front but has often been replaced by Chris Wood at the head of Newcastle's XI.
Then there is Alexander Isak. Arriving at Newcastle to so much fanfare after a club-record move, fans are still yet to see what the Swede can do in England's top flight. Luckily for Howe, his other players have stepped up and found the net in the absence of missing strikers.
Calls grow for January addition
The big talking point when Newcastle's team news dropped at 2pm revolved around the absence of Wilson from the matchday squad. The forward was forced to miss the Boxing Day action through illness with a potential return against Leeds on the cards.
Wilson and Isak's omissions mean once again Wood was tasked with leading the line for Howe's side. The New Zealand hitman wasted no time making his mark, rifling a penalty beyond a helpless Danny Ward just 90 seconds into the clash.
Newcastle have more than coped whenever Wood has been involved this season but there is now a growing feeling among supporters that another attacking addition is needed to ensure Howe is well stocked in that department for the business end of the campaign.
With Wilson's track record and Isak struggling to shake off what was initially a small setback, there is an argument to say Newcastle could do a lot worse than going out and buying another forward when the January window opens in a matter of days.
Howe will, of course, keep any transfer desires to himself when asked - but he and his team will be aware they could be caught short when it matters later this season.
Leicester look in need of Maddison
Newcastle's interest in James Maddison was well documented over the summer as Leicester dug their heels in when it came to their star man. With the January window fast approaching, the England international remains a player the hierarchy at St James' Park really admire.
Maddison could only watch on from the stands as his current side were blown away in the opening 45 minutes, with the Amazon TV cameras kindly panning to the glum attacking midfielder midway through the first period. Many will be hoping the player was watching on in awe as Newcastle ran riot.
There is the worry, however, that Leicester will play hardball once again. Rodgers' side looked devoid of creativity for spells of the game, despite offering a much-improved effort in the second period. Maddison's inclusion at the King Power would have undoubtedly helped the home side as they tried, in vain, to unlock Howe's tough defence.
Whether Newcastle go back in for another crack next month remains to be seen. However, if Leicester weren't keen on selling in the summer, they're unlikely to be keen of letting their main man leave midway through what has been a tough campaign on the whole.
Almiron no flash in the pan
When Almiron somehow missed the target from six yards out on Wednesday, those who still have lingering doubts over his ability suggested his purple patch may have come to an end when Newcastle's tight-knit group went their separate ways before the winter break.
As the Paraguayan picked up the ball in the early stages of Monday's clash, there was no doubt he is still a player brimming with confidence in this team. Finding his trusted ally Bruno Guimaraes, Almiron partook in a clever give-and-go with the Brazilian before calmly keeping his head and slotting beyond Danny Ward.
Almiron, like so many other Newcastle stars once facing an uncertain future, has elevated his game to a level previously unseen during his time in a black and white shirt. A small percentage of the Geordie faithful will still need convincing over a longer period of time - but the attacker is proving he can continue to find the net as the north east outfit enjoy their new-found success.
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