Jamie Vardy makes it ten in a row as Leicester swat aside dreadful Newcastle

Vardy equalled Ruud van Nistelrooy’s Premier League record for scoring in consecutive league games as Leicester deservedly claimed a resounding 3-0 win that moved them to the top of the table ahead of Manchester City’s evening game.

The record-breaking strike came in first-half stoppage time, with Vardy cutting inside Moussa Sissoko before drilling a low finish into the net.

Leonardo Ulloa and Shinji Okazaki added further goals in the second half as Newcastle were repeatedly ripped apart.

A chorus of boos rang around St James’ Park at the final whistle, and while the Magpies remain a point clear of the relegation zone, this was a performance that was reminiscent of the awful displays that became commonplace under John Carver in the second half of last season.

Steve McClaren might talk of “progress”, but any notion of positive momentum in the wake of this month’s win at Bournemouth has completely disappeared.

Vardy’s presence in Leicester’s starting line-up was the most notable aspect of both teams’ selections, and the striker served notice of his intent as early as the sixth minute as he drilled in a shot that was blocked by Aleksandar Mitrovic.

Leicester were the brighter side from the outset, and after Riyad Mahrez played in Leonardo Ulloa in the area, Vurnon Anita was forced to produce an excellent challenge to charge down the striker’s shot.

Newcastle were on the back foot from the off, and McClaren was forced into an early reshuffle after Cheick Tiote suffered what appeared to be a thigh injury. The Ivorian was replaced by Florian Thauvin, with Georginio Wijnaldum dropping back to play alongside Anita at the base of midfield.

The hosts finally created their first opportunity in the 21st minute, but it came to nothing when an under-pressure Ayoze Perez hooked over the crossbar after Daryl Janmaat squared the ball across the area.

Janmaat was constantly looking to get forward down the flank, but his forays repeatedly left those behind him exposed, and with the impressive Danny Drinkwater running things in midfield Leicester were a constant threat on the counter-attack.

They came close to making a breakthrough four minutes before the break, but while Mahrez played Vardy into the left-hand side of the area, Rob Elliot came off his line well to smother the striker’s shot.

Vardy did not have to wait too much longer for the goal that equalled van Nistelrooy’s record though, as the visitors’ slick interplay finally unlocked the Newcastle defence in first-half stoppage time.

The Leicester striker played a slick one-two with Ulloa, and deftly stepped inside Sissoko before drilling a low finish into the bottom left-hand corner of the net.

McClaren tinkered with his formation at the break, switching to a 4-1-4-1 system with Wijnaldum pushed further forward, Perez switched to the left and Thauvin moved to the right flank.

The change did nothing to address Newcastle’s general ineptitude however, and Leicester remained every bit as dominant in the second period.

They almost doubled their lead on the hour mark, with Vardy brushing aside Chancel Mbemba to reach Mahrez’s through ball and lash a ferocious drive against the crossbar.

That was a let off for the Magpies, but they did not escape again two minutes later as Leicester deservedly claimed a second.

Newcastle’s defending was diabolical as Ulloa found himself in at least four yards of space when Mahrez crossed from the right, and the striker duly dispatched a diving header past Elliot.

The Magpies finally recorded their first effort on target in the 71st minute, but while Wijnaldum rose well to meet Thauvin’s corner, Drinkwater had plenty of time to hack the ball clear from close to the goalline.

Leicester continued to look the likelier scorers though, and another slick break ended with Marc Albrighton dragging a shot just wide of the post.

Newcastle simply couldn’t cope with the quality of the visitors’ attacking, particularly when Mahrez was involved, and a three goal duly arrived with seven minutes left.

Elliot saved from Mahrez at his near post, but despite missing the ball with his first attempt at a header, substitute Okazaki was still able to nod the ball home from close range as both Elliot and Wijnaldum floundered in the six-yard box.

Newcastle (4-2-3-1): Elliot; Janmaat, Mbemba, Coloccini, Dummett; Tiote (Thauvin 19), Anita; Sissoko, Perez (de Jong 81), Wijnaldum; Mitrovic (Cisse 63).

Subs (not used): Woodman (gk), Sterry, Lascelles, Gouffran.

Leicester (4-3-3): Schmeichel; Simpson, Morgan, Huth, Fuchs; Kante, Drinkwater, Albrighton; Mahrez (Dyer 88), Ulloa (Okazaki 72), Vardy (King 77).

Subs (not used): Schwarzer (gk), De Laet, Schlupp, Inler.

HOW TWITTER REACTED TO THE DEFEAT:

Barry Ameobi ‏@ToonArmyMIA  

Looks like Benitez may be available tomorrow ..... #nufc

James Forrester ‏@jamesrforrester  

600 mile journey wasted again. Don't mind if #nufc lose & perform.stewards rushing open doors 30 mins to go. #wakeup

Alan Shearer ‏@alanshearer

I've run out of words to describe the Newcastle performances, so I'll stick with 'woeful' again! #NUFC #LCFC

Mike Hunt ‏@HashTheObvious 

#SteveMclaren is being marginally less successful at #NUFC than he was at #DCFC & #England when he was a total failure

Henry Gallagher ‏@HarryGallowgate  

Don’t know how long I’ve been a season ticket holder, but I’ve had enough. Me and my mate discussing whether to bother next season #nufc

Chris Black ‏@ChrisBlack10 

McClaren talking like today was a one-off we were equally as bad against #BFC and he had 2 wks on the training ground to put it right #NUFC