Christian Atsu was in action in the Championship on Saturday as Newcastle United thumped Ipswich Town 3-0 to extend their lead at the top of the second tier.

After a tricky start to the season, the Magpies are demonstrating their superiority on a regular basis in the Championship and picked up their tenth win of the season as the Tractor Boys were comfortably dispatched.

Ayoze Perez opened the scoring in the second minute and while the visitors held firm for over an hour, they eventually capitulated with less than 20 minutes on the clock as the Spaniard added another.

Matt Ritchie—preferred to Atsu on the right wing—added a third five minutes later, as Newcastle delivered the kind of performance that suggested they’re destined for an immediate return to the top tier.

The Ghana international started against Brentford last weekend, but was dropped for the midweek win at Barnsley, although his introduction for Yoan Gouffran in the 75th minute suggested that he still has a part to play in Rafael Benitez’s plans.

Atsu managed one shot during his brief stint on the pitch.

With Norwich City losing at home to Preston North End, Newcastle are now three points clear of nearest challengers Brighton and Hove Albion and Huddersfield Town.