Newcastle 3-0 PSV Eindhoven: Premier League side claim playoff spot ahead of trip to PSG
Newcastle ran all over Dutch side PSV Eindhoven at St James’ Park, with Yoane Wissa, Anthony Gordon and Harvey Barnes getting the job done against a side who were willing to place the knife on their own throats.
Next up, Paris Saint-Germain in France, but Eddie Howe will like how his team conducted themselves and applied pressure on their opponents until they self-destructed. Newcastle’s victory assures them a playoff spot ahead of the trip to Paris regardless of the outcome, although they will be seeking a positive result against the Champions League holders to avoid the extra strain of playing two extra games.
Yoane Wissa, who has been impressive since making his long-awaited debut for the Magpies after shaking off injury troubles, lifted the opener over PSV goalkeeper Matej Kovar, after the shotstopper had tried to play out from the back but found Bruno Guimaraes instead.
The Dutch champions then gave the ball away again, this time Yarek Gasiorowski scuffing an attempted pass and allowing Wissa to slide in and square for Gordon, who doubled Newcastle’s lead with the easiest finish of his career. In the second half, PSV captain Jerdy Schouten couldn’t get a good header from a long pass and it dropped to Barnes, allowing the forward to go on a run and score Newcastle’s third.
There was some unfortunate news in that captain Guimaraes was taken off just before half time after picking up an injury. He has been a big influence and is vital for any chance of success as Howe’s side continue to compete in Europe, fight for the top five in the league, and eye another trophy this season in the FA Cup.
