Newcastle United crush Leicester City with dominant 3-0 win at King Power

The Magpies move up to fifth in the Premier League after a commanding performance against struggling Leicester City.

Facundo Buonanotte of Leicester City competes with Emil Krafth and Sean Longstaff of Newcastle United during the Premier League match at King Power Stadium in Leicester on April 7, 2025. © Plumb Images

By Anna Fadiah and Hayu Andini

Newcastle United crush Leicester City in a ruthless 3-0 victory at the King Power Stadium, a result that not only underlines the Magpies' attacking prowess but also lifts them to fifth in the Premier League standings. The result piles further misery on Leicester City, who now sit 19th in the table and are edging closer to relegation.

From the very first whistle, Eddie Howe’s side looked sharp, aggressive, and organized. It took just two minutes for them to open the scoring, and by the half-hour mark, they had already sealed what would become a comfortable three-goal win.

Early goals set the tone for Newcastle’s triumph

Newcastle wasted no time in putting the hosts under pressure. In the 2nd minute, Jacob Murphy found himself unmarked at the far post and calmly slotted home after a well-weighted low cross from Tino Livramento. The early goal gave the visitors a burst of confidence that they carried throughout the rest of the first half.

The Magpies didn’t let up. Just nine minutes later, Murphy was on the scoresheet again. This time, he was quick to react when Fabian Schär's thunderous long-range effort crashed off the crossbar. The rebound fell perfectly to Murphy, who made no mistake and doubled Newcastle’s lead with a composed finish past Leicester’s goalkeeper, Mads Hermansen.

It was a dream start for Newcastle and a nightmare for Leicester City.

Harvey Barnes seals the rout in the first half

Before the first half could even reach its closing stages, Newcastle added a third. In the 34th minute, former Leicester winger Harvey Barnes came back to haunt his old club. After a slick passing move, Barnes found himself inside the box and slotted home with ease, leaving Hermansen helpless once again.

At 3-0 up, Newcastle were cruising. The traveling supporters were in full voice, while the home crowd sat in stunned silence. Ruud van Nistelrooy, now in charge of Leicester, could only watch as his side struggled to respond to Newcastle’s intensity.

Despite multiple attempts to rally, the Foxes looked disjointed and overwhelmed.

Newcastle control the second half with ease

After the break, the intensity of the game dropped slightly, but Newcastle continued to manage the match effectively. They kept possession, controlled the tempo, and never looked in real danger. Leicester, despite needing goals, lacked the creativity and confidence to break down Newcastle’s disciplined defense.

While both teams created fewer chances in the second half, Newcastle's control of the match was evident. Eddie Howe’s men played with maturity and patience, choosing not to overcommit while still looking dangerous on the break.

Leicester had a few half-chances, but nothing that truly troubled goalkeeper Martin Dúbravka. The final whistle came with the scoreboard unchanged, confirming Newcastle’s impressive 3-0 win.

A major boost for Newcastle’s top-four hopes

With this win, Newcastle United crush Leicester City and make a clear statement in the Premier League’s top-four race. The Magpies now have 53 points from 31 games, moving one point ahead of Manchester City and climbing to fifth place in the standings.

This victory could not have come at a better time for Newcastle. With crucial matches coming up and a tight battle for European qualification, the momentum from such a dominant win will be vital in the closing weeks of the season.

Eddie Howe praised his side's energy and efficiency after the match, stating, “It was one of our best performances this season. The early goals gave us control, and the players executed our plan perfectly.”

Leicester’s survival hopes in serious doubt

While Newcastle celebrate, Leicester City find themselves in deep trouble. The Foxes now sit 19th in the Premier League table, with just 17 points from 31 matches. Their defensive vulnerabilities were once again on full display, and their attack lacked any real punch.

New manager Ruud van Nistelrooy faces a monumental task to keep the club in the top flight. Speaking after the game, he admitted, “We gave away goals too easily and never really recovered. It’s a difficult moment, but we have to stay together and fight.”

With only a handful of matches remaining, Leicester must now treat every game as a final. They are in desperate need of points and confidence, and the current form gives little hope to their supporters.

Newcastle United crush Leicester City not just with goals, but with a performance that showcased both their attacking threat and defensive discipline. Jacob Murphy was the star of the night with two goals and a tireless display on the right flank. Harvey Barnes, facing his former club, also showed his quality with a well-taken goal.

Leicester, on the other hand, were disorganized at the back and uninspired going forward. Their fight for survival becomes more desperate with each passing week.

What’s next?

Newcastle United will look to build on this momentum when they face a tough opponent next weekend. The race for European qualification is heating up, and every point matters. Eddie Howe will be keen to keep his players focused and consistent.

Leicester City, meanwhile, face a must-win situation in their next fixture. With the drop looming, they need to regroup quickly and start picking up points or risk falling out of the Premier League altogether.