Newcastle United defeated Manchester United 2-0 in a crucial match that saw the Magpies leapfrog the Red Devils into third place in the Premier League.
The victory moves the Magpies into third position on the table, while the Red Devils fall to fourth place.
The match was tense from the opening whistle, with both sides creating opportunities in the first half.
However, it was Newcastle who dominated possession and created the better chances, with Wout Weghorst lashing into the side netting and David de Gea making a brilliant stop to deny Alexander Isak’s header and Joe Willock’s follow-up.
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Newcastle’s persistence finally paid off in the 65th minute, when Allan Saint-Maximin nodded Bruno Guimaraes’ delivery back across to Willock, who headed in from close range to send the home fans into raptures. Joelinton then saw a close-range effort tipped onto the crossbar by De Gea from a corner.
The visitors were on the ropes and forced to spend much of the first half defending, with Sean Longstaff sending a powerful drive whistling past the upright before Willock blazed over from close range.
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Manchester United tried to find a way back into the game, but Newcastle’s defense held firm. The home side continued to press and were finally rewarded in the 88th minute when Wilson headed in Kieran Trippier’s free-kick to secure three precious points in the Magpies’ bid for European football.
The win was a significant step towards European football for the Magpies, who have been on a remarkable run of form this season
It was also Willock’s first goal since November, and he will be hoping to build on this performance as the season draws to a close.
For Manchester United, the defeat was a bitter blow, they now sit in fourth place, just one point above Tottenham with a game in hand.
