Miguel Almiron starred on his full debut as Newcastle United moved four points clear of the Premier League relegation zone with a dominant 2-0 win over 10-man Huddersfield Town on Saturday.
After losing only one of its previous four league games, Newcastle was always favourites for victory against the division's bottom club, and its hopes were boosted by a first half in which it hit the post twice and Huddersfield's Tommy Smith was sent off.
Huddersfield clung on to reach the interval on level terms despite Smith's poor challenge on record signing Almiron, whose excellent performance was eventually rewarded as Newcastle cruised to victory in the second half.
Salomon Rondon broke the deadlock in the first minute of the second half and Ayoze Perez quickly made it 2-0, moving Newcastle up to 14th. Huddersfield remains 14 points adrift of safety and appear certain to be relegated.
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What does it mean? Newcastle makes most of favourable fixture
While it may be unfair to consider a home game against Huddersfield straightforward given its exploits last season, this is a very different team to the one that stayed up under David Wagner and Newcastle made sure not to fluff its lines with a superb attacking performance. It was relentless after Smith was dismissed and the margin of victory could have been much greater.
Almiron injects life into Newcastle attack
Newcastle has been able to get results under Rafael Benitez, but this was the best its attack has looked all season and new boy Almiron was the key. His range of passing and link-up play injected life into a forward line that looked quicker and more fluid for his presence. The standing ovation he received after being substituted late on was richly deserved.
Smith's rush of blood costs Terriers
Smith did his best to protest his innocence but he could have no complaints about his red card, which significantly diminished Huddersfield's hopes of an upset.
Key Opta Facts
- Newcastle has done the league double over Huddersfield for the first time since 1964-65.
- Only two sides in Premier League history have picked up fewer points after their first 27 games of a season than Huddersfield in 18-19 (11) - Derby in 07-08 (9) and Sunderland in 05-06 (10).
- Newcastle mustered 29 shots, their most in a Premier League game since attempting 32 against Swansea City in November 2012.
- Huddersfield’s Jan Siewert is the ninth manager to lose his opening four Premier League matches in charge, and the first since Frank de Boer with Crystal Palace at the start of last season.
- No side has picked up more red cards in the Premier League this season than Huddersfield (4, along with Everton and Leicester).
What's next?
Newcastle can go beyond 30 points and take a huge step towards survival if it beats Burnley at home on Tuesday. Huddersfield welcomes Wolves to West Yorkshire on the same day.
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