Your Newcastle United headlines for Monday, December 26.
Magpies crush Foxes
Newcastle breezed to another impressive away victory to stay in the conversation for both a Champions League place - and dare I say it a Premier League title challenge.
At a venue that once saw Newcastle celebrate top-flight safety in 2018, 2019 and 2021, the Magpies offered evidence they are aiming for much bigger things these days. This game was arguably done and dusted inside the first seven minutes as Chris Wood's penalty and Miguel Almiron's ninth of the season had the hosts 2-0 down before some home fans had even taken their seats.
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And it was certainly game over by 32 minutes as deflated Leicester went 3-0 down thanks to Joelinton's powerful header. By the end, Eddie Howe even had the luxury of giving some of his stars a breather as they strolled to victory.
To read Lee Ryder's match report in full, click here.
Shelvey injury blow
Newcastle have been hit by a big blow with Jonjo Shelvey ruled out for up to eight weeks.
The midfielder has suffered a calf injury and the estimated return date is between six and eight weeks leaving Eddie Howe a man down in his engine room. Shelvey had barely just returned from a hamstring injury suffered in pre-season when he limped off against Benfica in a 3-2 defeat.
But following his absence at Leicester for today's clash in the Premier League, it emerged he has endured a fresh injury blow. The Shelvey news was followed by confirmation that England international Callum Wilson was absent due to an illness.
To read more, click here.
Howe wants fans to believe
Howe insists his team could still do "anything" this season when asked if they can stay in the title race.
The Magpies stormed into a 3-0 lead after 32 minutes and now find themselves in second place in the Premier League. Whether they can maintain their form remains to be seen but the fact is only a late win for Liverpool back in August is the only dent on Newcastle's league record this term.
When asked about what the team can achieve, Howe said: "We can do anything. The season is still young enough for all possibilities to exist for us. I want the fans to believe we can do anything."
'Toon are title contenders' - Rodgers
Brendan Rodgers believes Newcastle have a "great chance" of mounting a challenge for the Premier League title. The Magpies returned to top-flight action with an emphatic Boxing Day victory at Leicester to move into second spot.
When asked if Newcastle are in the title conversation, Rodgers answered: "Absolutely. Having watched them through the season and seeing them today, they've obviously got that hunger there with a point to prove. You make a great start and that gives you the freedom that you can stay there.
"They've obviously had some really good results, the players they've signed are top players. Botman is a proper player, he knows football, he's big, aggressive and defends the box well. Kieran Trippier is very experienced player and knows the game, and you have Dan Burn in alongside that.
"The guys that were brought in January, the likes of Guimaraes, and in Joelinton you have guys who are developing and improving. There's no reason why they can't be in it if they can make the squad stronger in January."
To read more, click here.
Shearer on win
Alan Shearer has hailed the 3-0 win as "a great performance" in what was the Magpies return to action in the Premier League. The club legend tweeted: "That’s three points for the Toon and 3 goals and a clean sheet. What a great performance. Should be a good @BBCMOTD! What time we on @GaryLineker? TOON TOON"
To read more, click here.
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