Newcastle United delivered a clinical performance to dismantle Leicester City 3-0 at the King Power Stadium on April 7, 2025, extending their Champions League charge while condemning the Foxes to a historic low. Jacob Murphy’s early brace and a composed finish from Harvey Barnes sealed a dominant victory, leaving Leicester rooted in 19th place and on the brink of relegation.
The Magpies struck within two minutes as Tino Livramento’s low cross found an unmarked Jacob Murphy, who slotted home from close range—a goal emblematic of Leicester’s defensive disarray.
Murphy doubled the lead just nine minutes later, capitalizing on a spectacular Fabian Schär effort from inside Newcastle’s half. The Swiss defender’s audacious strike rattled the crossbar, and Murphy pounced on the rebound, fumbling the ball into the net after a comical scramble.
Harvey Barnes, facing his former club, compounded Leicester’s misery in the 34th minute. A Joelinton shot deflected into Barnes’ path, and the winger calmly converted to make it 3-0, silencing the home crowd.
Missed Chances: Foxes’ Woes Continue
Leicester’s attacking struggles reached farcical levels. Patson Daka’s first-half strike cannoned off both posts before rolling harmlessly to Newcastle keeper Nick Pope—a moment that encapsulated their 12-hour goalless streak at home.
Substitute Stephy Mavididi forced a late save, while Wout Faes’ header narrowly missed the target, but the Foxes’ lack of cutting edge persisted.
Newcastle’s traveling supporters reveled in their team’s dominance, chanting Murphy’s name to the tune of Lady Gaga’s Paparazzi.
Leicester fans, however, booed their team off at halftime, with many calling for manager Ruud van Nistelrooy’s dismissal. “It’s a horrible moment for the club,” admitted defender James Justin, acknowledging the disconnect between players and supporters.
Eddie Howe praised Newcastle’s “ruthless” start and highlighted Murphy’s transformation: “He’s added goals to his work ethic—a complete team player”
The win lifted Newcastle to fifth, level on 53 points with Chelsea, as Howe eyes a top-four finish: “We’re in a good place, but the next three games will define our season”
Van Nistelrooy, meanwhile, faced scrutiny after Leicester set an unwanted record: eight consecutive home losses without scoring. “It’s worrying—we’re not showing progress,” he admitted, though he praised 15-year-old Jeremy Monga’s debut, the second-youngest Premier League player ever.
Newcastle United who are fifth place (53 points, 30 games), level with Chelsea and ahead of Manchester City. Champions League qualification is within reach.
Leicester City: 19th place (17 points, 31 games), 15 points from safety. Relegation appears inevitable, with Southampton already doomed
Newcastle’s third straight league win underscores their resurgence under Howe, fueled by their recent League Cup triumph. For Leicester, the Championship looms—a stark fall for the 2016 Premier League champions. As Van Nistelrooy battles to salvage pride, Newcastle’s sights are set firmly on Europe’s elite stage.
Leave a Reply