Jack Rudoni gave Coventry City an early lead from the penalty spot in the sixth minute before Sidiki Chérif extended their advantage three minutes into the second half.
Newcastle United threatened to make a game of it when Sven Botman pulled one back in the 70th minute, but Ellis Simms restored Coventry’s two-goal cushion in the 81st minute. Stephen Mfuni added a fourth five minutes later to complete the rout.
The result gave Frank Lampard’s team consecutive victories and lifted them out of the relegation zone, while Newcastle were left to reflect on another damaging defensive performance away from home.
“Very, very satisfying. It’s so hard to win. We played like the team that we want to be here,” Lampard said.
“There is so much spirit and energy in the group and we know we are going to have to suffer a lot this season. The work ethic of the boys and the belief, you get what you deserve which is great finishes.
“We haven't quite had that rub of the green this season that would help us nick more points. It was a complete performance. We have to keep our feet on the ground. It's a great feeling for the players to feel that.”
Lampard was particularly encouraged by Chérif’s contribution, highlighting the young forward’s attitude as well as his performance.
“Very exciting because he's so young. He's got a really good manner, really good way about him he wants to train, he wants to learn. He's quite quiet but today he showed a lot of personality and didn't stop running. There is a lot to come.”
Newcastle manager Matthias Jaissle was unhappy with his side’s work in both penalty areas and apologised to the supporters who had travelled to watch the match.
“We're frustrated definitely. The lads as well in the dressing room, it's a feeling you don't want to have when you feel as though you should have won. We can only apologise to the fans that took the journey,” he said.
“We need to analyse it clearly, especially in the box, at both ends. The desire and hunger to score, to finish the attacks, that was missing.”
Jaissle also felt a foul on Joe Willock should have been given before Coventry’s second goal. However, he acknowledged that Newcastle needed to focus on the mistakes they could control.
“We need to win these games in the boxes. Defensively we need to improve. On the offensive we need to be more sharp.”
For Coventry, the victory offered tangible evidence of their progress. For Newcastle, the manner of the defeat left Jaissle with clear problems to address at both ends of the pitch.