ALL the facts from Newcastle's win over Rotherham.
Newcastle 4 Rotherham 0
NEWCASTLE (4-2-3-1):
7 Darlow: Got himself into trouble as he almost conceded a penalty, but made amends with a sensational scrambling save
8 YEDLIN: Set up two of his side’s goals and was a threat all afternoon with his barnstorming runs down the right
7 Lascelles: Didn’t have too much to do at the heart of the back four, but controlled things effectively throughout
7 Clark: Shackled Yates with a minimum of fuss and threatened on a number of occasions at the opposite end from set-pieces
6 Dummett: Wasn’t extended in a defensive capacity, but wasn’t able to match Yedlin’s attacking effectiveness on the opposite flank
8 Shelvey: Helped set up Murphy’s opener with a long-range free-kick and delivered an excellent through ball for Ritchie’s second goal
7 Hayden: Showed plenty of drive and athleticism at the heart of midfield and passed the ball effectively throughout
8 Ritchie: Made it four goals in the space of three days as he scored with shots from inside and outside of the area
7 Perez: His goal should probably have been chalked off for handball, but he made an excellent front-post run to get to Yedlin’s pull-back
6 Gouffran: Claimed the assist for Ritchie’s first goal with a shot that was saved and continues to justify his place in Benitez’s preferred team
7 Murphy: Produced a deft first-half finish to make it three goals in the space of three games and is proving an able deputy for Gayle
Subs:
5 Ameobi (for Gouffran, 64): Provided plenty of energy in the final half hour, but a lot of what he was trying to do didn’t come off
Lazaar (for Murphy, 75)
Sterry (for Yedlin, 80)
(not used): Sels (gk), Hanley, Haidara, Barlaser.
ROTHERHAM (4-1-4-1):
O’Donnell 4; Fisher 4, Wood 5, Belaid 5, Mattock 4; Smallwood 6; Forde 4 (Kelly 87), VAULKS 6, Adeyemi 5, Taylor 5 (Allan 75); Yates 4 (Ward 61, 4).
Subs (not used): Bilboe (gk), Wilson, Mason.
Man Of The Match: DEANDRE YEDLIN – The American will be a crucial player with Vurnon Anita facing a two-month injury lay-off - his pace and athleticism are key attacking assets when Newcastle can play on the break.
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