Newcastle United continued their lightning form with a 2-0 victory against Barnsley to send them top of the league.

In-form Dwight Gayle bagged himself another brace to secure Rafael Benitez’s side a fourth straight league win.

Barnsley put in a sturdy performance, and performed much better than when they lost 4-2 to Fulham at the weekend.

However, the quality of Newcastle’s squad outshone the Tykes throughout the game, and two lapses of concentration saw the Magpies steal the points.

Newcastle’s victory saw them climb above Norwich City to the top of the league after they played out a 2-2 draw to Fulham, while Barnsley plummeted down to 14th place after only picking up one point out of a possible 18.

Newcastle have been faultless in their last six games, but after a great start to the term for Barnsley, the Tykes form is starting to wear off.

Football League World Writer, Ashley Williams identifies the THREE key players from the game.....

 

Dwight Gayle

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That was Gayle’s fourth goal in two games, and he is in red-hot form at the moment.

You need to be on your game when you face a striker of Gayle’s ability for the full 90 minutes and two lapses of concentration from the Tykes has cost them.

It’s hard to see how Gayle can be stopped at the moment, but Benitez will certainly not be complaining.

Matt Ritchie

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Ritchie’s standing ovation was well and truly deserved when he was brought off in the final seven minutes of the game.

Competition is proving to be tough in the Magpies midfield and Ritchie’s display proves that he is eager to be in the squad every week.

He bagged himself an assist after slipping through a ball into Gayle’s path who finished sublimely.

Sam Morsy

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The Reds fell behind at a crucial stage of the game after holding firm in the opening 45 minutes, but Morsy continually threatened the Magpies back-line and could have instantly equalised after fizzing a shot just wide of the post.

Newcastle and Barnsley fans… Can Newcastle be stopped? What has happened to Barnsley in the last few weeks? Let us know in your thoughts and opinions below!