Newcastle sealed an emphatic victory over Sheffield United on their return to Premier League action.
Chris Wilder’s side went into Sunday’s game knowing victory would lift them above Manchester United and Wolves and into fifth place - just a point behind fourth place Chelsea.
But after a goalless first-half, the Magpies sprung into action in an empty St James’ Park shortly after the Sheffield United were reduced to 10 men.
John Egan was shown a second yellow after 50 minutes for hauling back Joelinton, who passed up the best opportunity of the first period.
Moments later an uncharacteristic error from Edna Stevens allowed Allan Saint-Maximin to drill home.
Matt Ritchie doubled the lead 14 minutes later, given space to come forward unchallenged before rifling a fine effort past Dean Henderson from the edge of the box.
Joelinton added some more gloss to a fine second-half performance, starting the move for the third and finishing after being teed up by Almiron.
