Atsu scores to seal Newcastle PL return

Ghana’s Christian Atsu was among the scorers as Newcastle United crushed Preston North End 4-1 to seal a quick Premier League return.

Two goals from Ayoze Perez, another from the Black Stars winger and a Matt Ritchie penalty confirmed promotion for the Toons on Monday night.

On the stroke of half-time, Atsu, a Chelsea loanee, put Newcastle back in the lead after Ayoze Perez’s opener was pegged back by Jordan Hugill for the visitors.

Matt Ritchie scored from the penalty spot before Perez completed his brace in a space of two minutes to ensure Rafa Benitez’s side join Brighton and Hove Albion in securing automatic qualification from the Championship to the English top-flight for the 2017/18 season.

Atsu took to twitter to thank fans for their support:

We are happy to secure promotion to the premiership. Big thanks to the fans for their unbelievable support. #GodIsTheReason#GodWin ???????? pic.twitter.com/dPd2HBnCQU

— Christian Atsu (@ChristianAtsu20) April 24, 2017
His future with the side remains undecided.