EPL: Newcastle stun Man U

A second-half goal from Matt Ritchie has earned Newcastle United a 1-0 win over Manchester United in Sunday’s Premier League clash at St James’ Park.
Man United had their chances but a number of saves from Martin Dubravka and desperate blocks from defenders left Jose Mourinho’s team sitting 16 points adrift of leaders Manchester City.
Newcastle began the game in the North-East on the front foot, with Jonjo Shelvey only being denied an early opener when David de Gea’s tipped his stinging 16-yard drive wide of the post.
Just before half time, Newcastle were unfortunate not to be awarded a penalty when Chris Smalling tripped Dwight Gayle just inside the penalty area, but the referee opted to wave play on.
After the restart, Man United went onto the front foot, with Alexis Sanchez unfortunate not to open the scoring when his shot from 10 yards was deflected into the side-netting after he had taken the ball past both Shelvey and DeAndre Yedlin.
Newcastle always remained a threat at the other end and after the Magpies were awarded a free kick on the halfway line due to simulation from Smalling, they went in front.
The set piece was floated into the area and after Gayle capitalised on a knockdown, the striker flicked the ball into the path of Ritchie who drilled a shot into the bottom corner from 12 yards after being left on his own by the penalty spot.
The visitors almost netted an immediate equaliser only to see Ashley Young’s driven effort well saved by Dubravka, but the opportunity acted as the catalyst for United to dominate the closing stages.
Four minutes of added-on time were signalled and Man United laid siege to the Newcastle goal but after a number of corners and the excellent Dubravka making a world-class reaction save to deny Michael Carrick from close range, the home side were left to celebrate a potentially-decisive result in their attempts to remain in the top flight.