Newcastle’s 6-1 demolition of Qarabag — highlighted by Anthony Gordon’s four-goal salvo — signals punters should favour Newcastle to cover multi-goal handicaps and the overs market; Gordon is a smart anytime scorer pick and markets will likely shorten for Newcastle to progress comfortably to the Champions League last 16.
Newcastle rout Qarabag 6-1 to put last-16 spot firmly in sight
Newcastle United delivered one of their most ruthless European displays, dismantling Qarabag 6-1 in Baku and leaving the return leg at St James’ Park a formality. Eddie Howe’s side produced an early statement of intent and maintained relentless pressure, turning a nervy tie into a commanding advantage that all but secures a place in the Champions League last 16.
Anthony Gordon: four-goal masterclass
Anthony Gordon was the driving force, scoring four times and tormenting Qarabag’s defence from the first whistle. He opened inside two minutes, sprinting on Dan Burn’s through ball before calmly finishing past Mateusz Kochalski.
Kieran Trippier’s delivery then allowed Malick Thiaw to power home a header for 2-0. A handball by Matheus Silva after a Harvey Barnes effort led to a penalty, which Gordon converted.
Gordon completed a hat-trick by pouncing on a loose touch from Kevin Medina and rounding the keeper, then added a fourth from the spot before half-time after he was brought down by Kochalski.
Second half control and Qarabag response
Newcastle eased off after the break but remained dominant. Elvin Cafarquliyev pulled one back for Qarabag, who briefly showed more freedom and tested Nick Pope with a fierce Joni Montiel shot.
Any faint hope of a comeback was squashed when substitute Jacob Murphy restored a five-goal cushion with a deflected long-range strike.
Newcastle managed the closing stages with composure, repeatedly exploiting space between Qarabag’s midfield and defence.
What this result means for Newcastle and Qarabag
The victory continues a sharp upturn in form for Newcastle at a critical stage of the season and leaves Howe’s side requiring only a routine performance in the return leg to progress. Qarabag, despite earlier results in the group phase, were unable to cope once the game opened up and now face an uphill battle to rescue their Champions League campaign.
Betting market implications and odds movements
Punters should expect markets to move decisively toward Newcastle for the return leg, with handicaps and overs shortening.
Gordon’s four-goal display will likely attract bets for anytime-scorer markets and multi-goal specials. Markets may also favour a conservative approach for Newcastle in the second leg, so consider handicaps at -1.5 or backing the overs if lines remain elevated.
Always factor in potential rotation and match context before staking.
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Newcastle United all but booked their place in the Champions League last 16 on Wednesday night after dismantling Qarabag 6-1 in Baku to take a commanding grip on their knockout play-off tie.Eddie Howe...
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