Newcastle United returned to the top of the Championship today after eventually thumping bottom of the table Rotherham in what turned out to be a wonderful day at St. James’ Park.
The Magpies were made to wait for much of the opening half as the Millers provided them with a few scares, particularly when Karl Darlow went from zero to hero in a matter of seconds in a strange mix-up that almost allowed Paul Warne’s side to take the lead.
Still, the mood turned on Tyneside pretty much as soon as Daryl Murphy notched a crucial opener before the interval and, with the deadlock finally broken, Matt Ritchie and Ayoze Perez bagged to send the Magpies on their way to an easy three points.
Ritchie then added a fourth as the Millers rolled over somewhat, with the Scotland international having seemingly played with way through a recent bad run of form at perhaps the most crucial time of the season.
With Brighton and Hove Albion having won last night, the pressure was on the Toon today, though their 4-0 thumping of Rotherham quite clearly went down a storm on Twitter. With that in mind, here’s a look at how you reacted.
Great to see that even at 4-0 we aren't letting up. 100% energy and no midweek game bodes very well #NUFC
— Todd Murgatroyd (@todd28289) January 21, 2017
Murphy's hold up play was brilliant today, once Gayle is for he could be a run in behind all day #nufc
— Garwain (@Garwain) January 21, 2017
Jonjo Shelvey best CM in the Champ? Easily. So easily. #NUFC
— NUFC 360 (@NUFC360) January 21, 2017
Shelvey is involved in the majority of goals we score, we're formidable with him in the team, dominates the opposition #nufc
— Ross Lindsay (@RossLindsay22) January 21, 2017
#NUFC pic.twitter.com/pIaSlJLzwp
— Charles Ryan (@charlesryanws) January 21, 2017
Ritchie and Shelvey are simply a cut above at this level. Absolutely phenomenal the pair of them #nufc
— Powelly (@Steve_Powell9) January 21, 2017
Ritchie looking much better as a goal scoring midfielder than a winger, good case as a number 10 if #nufc bring back home the prodigal son
— bobby martins (@BobbyGoa) January 21, 2017
4-0!!! We're Newcastle and we're gonna win the league (behind Brighton)!!!! #NUFC
— Marc Jobling (@MarcJobling) January 21, 2017
WE'RE NEWCASTLE AND WE'RE GUNNA WIN THE LEAGUE #nufc
— GeordiesDownUnder (@ToonArmyAust) January 21, 2017