Newcastle 4-0 Leicester

&c

After an unfathomably topsy turvy few weeks in the league, Newcastle found themselves up against the perfect opposition ahead of the League Cup quarter final against Brentford on Wednesday, as Leicester rolled over and had their tummies tickled at St James' Park.

Ruud van Nistelrooy, fresh in the hotseat seemingly on the back of a passable couple of games as Man Utd interim manager, watched his team do more or less nothing at all in the game.

A more pliant opponent won't be seen this season, and I'm including League Two Wimbledon and Bromley (in the 3rd round of the cup in January) in that assessment/prediction.

For once we attacked from the off and kept at it, never in danger today of conceding a sucker punch a la West Ham or Brighton, and didn't relent in the face of wastefulness from Isak and Murphy in particular.

The first goal, when it arrived courtesy of a smart Murphy finish, was from a well worked corner routine - another thing we've not been able to say often this season.

He also wrapped up the scoring after Bruno and Isak had both headed in to finish off moves of varying excitement.

Despite Isak missing a good chance one-on-one, he was very lively again today, setting up a couple of chances for Murphy, including for his second goal (MEGS!).

He was given the last 20 minutes or so to rest, Will Osula getting more minutes than he's used to but unable to impose himself on the game.

Dan Burn notably missed a headed opportunity, and there could have been plenty more goals today.

However, it seems churlish to be anything other than delighted with a 4-0 win, especially this season.

On to the quarter final, where Brentford will hopefully live up to their reputation as Kings of their own manor but bottlers on the road.