Newcastle Capitalise on PSV Blunders to Enhance Champions League Knockout Prospects

Newcastle moved closer to a spot in the Champions League knockout stage by exploiting PSV Eindhoven's defensive mistakes in a convincing 3-0 victory at St James' Park on Wednesday evening.

Yoane Wissa, making his debut start in the Champions League, along with Anthony Gordon, both scored within the first 30 minutes after the Dutch title holders erred in their play.

Harvey Barnes sealed the win with his fifth goal in five outings shortly after the hour.

"I felt it was among our strongest showings from numerous players in recent times," commented Newcastle manager Eddie Howe.

The success for the Tyneside club was marred by an ankle problem for skipper Bruno Guimaraes, who had to leave the field just prior to the interval.

This injury to Guimaraes might prove costly when Howe's squad faces the tough journey to Paris Saint-Germain next week in their closing league phase match, aiming for a top-eight position.

Newcastle hold eighth place solely due to goal difference and probably require a victory over the defending champions at their venue to bypass the playoff stage.

Wissa justified Howe's decision to select him over Nick Woltemade in attack by netting once and providing an assist, calling it a "memorable evening" for the DR Congo forward.

Having joined from Brentford last September, Wissa had mostly plied his trade in the lower divisions of French and English leagues during his career.

"Truly incredible. Thats the reason I signed here... I nearly shed tears," Wissa shared about experiencing the Champions League anthem for the first time on the field.

"So moving. At 29, I never imagined reaching this level, and now Im savouring every moment."

Wissa slotted home his inaugural European goal from Joelinton's delivery following a mishandled clearance by PSV shot-stopper Matej Kovar.

PSV are cruising to yet another Eredivisie crown with a 16-point advantage at the summit.

Under Peter Bosz, the team triumphed 4-1 at Liverpool and thrashed Napoli 6-0 earlier in the league phase, yet they remain in danger of falling outside the top 24, which guarantees entry to the playoffs.

Once more, the away team contributed to their demise when Yarek Gasiorowski's weak pass back enabled Wissa to set up Gordon for an easy tap-in.

The England forward now boasts six Champions League strikes this term, trailing only Kylian Mbappe and Harry Kane in the race for the golden boot.

Yet, a dominant opening 45 for the hosts soured when Guimaraes required extended medical attention after clashing with Kovar during a set piece and was ultimately substituted.

Howe's midfield and backline resources were already stretched thin by multiple injuries during a demanding fixture list, with Newcastle competing in four tournaments still.

That said, his attacking lineup offers plenty of options, with Barnes excelling since January.

The 28-year-old broke clear of the sluggish PSV backline to net his 12th of the campaign 25 minutes before full time.

With Saudi investment, Newcastle join four other Premier League outfits in the provisional top eight, as English clubs demonstrate their economic power in Europe's top club event.

Nevertheless, they must complete the task against one of Europe's richest outfits when visiting Qatari-financed PSG, seeking to block the champions' straight path to the round of 16.