LONDON, March 29: Newcastle United ended a five-game winless run in style at St James’ Park on Friday as they thrashed Everton 6-2 to stay in the hunt for a Champions League place, still with an outside chance of winning the title.

Newcastle remained fourth in the standings but with 59 points they are now five clear of Leeds United, who host Manchester United on Saturday. Liverpool lead the league on 65 points, to the 64 of Manchester United and 63 of Arsenal, who have two games in hand on the top two.

Everton had won their last two games under new manager David Moyes and took the lead in sixth minute through Duncan Ferguson.

Goals from Alan Shearer and Carl Cort put Newcastle ahead after 15 minutes, only for Niclas Alexandersson to level again for the visitors before the interval.

The second half was all Newcastle, however, as centre back Andy O’Brien scrambled them ahead after an hour and Nolberto Solano scored twice in two minutes after 71 and 73 to underline their dominance.

Olivier Bernard completed the rout two minutes from time.—Reuters