Yedlin hails in-form Ritchie

Fresh from netting a brace against Birmingham City in midweek, Ritchie took his tally for the season to double-figures with two simple finishes after the break.

Newcastle’s other goals were both assisted by Yedlin, the right flank proving productive for the Magpies against the Sky Bet Championship’s basement side.

With Vurnon Anita set to miss the next month, Yedlin and Ritchie could well have an important part to play as United look to keep their place at the top of the standings.

The American feels he and Ritchie are getting to know each other’s game, the latter now second only to Gayle in the Magpies’ scoring charts this season.

“I’ve got two assists today, but you have to attribute a lot of that to Matty. He creates that space so well for me to move into,” he told nufc.co.uk.

“It’s all about forming a partnership with him, and I think we’re really gaining an understanding of how each other plays. He’s a very fun guy to play with. Any time you have the ball and you’re in a bit of trouble, you can give it to him and he’ll get out of it. He’s obviously playing with a lot of confidence at the moment. He’s a great player and we’re fortunate to have him.”

United’s other marksmen were Daryl Muprhy and Ayoze Perez, the former breaking the deadlock just before the break after a battling opening half from the Millers.

Despite a string of injuries and the loss of three players to the Africa Cup of Nations, Rafa Benitez’s sit nine points clear of third-placed Huddersfield Town, Saturday’s victory their third in the space of a week in all competitions.

Yedlin believes the Magpies’ recent form owes much to their strength in depth, and applauded his teammates for a convincing second-half display.

“Obviously the first goal is always the most important. To get that – especially just before half time – gave us the momentum going into the second half,” he said.

“We knew that’d be their game-plan, to sit back, and be tough to break down – which it was until we got the first and second goals. After that, they had to open up a little bit and we had more space to play in. The first half could have been a bit cleaner, but all in all, it was a good performance. We have the three points, which is the most important thing.

“It just shows the depth of our squad. Guys can go out, and others can come in and make a big difference. The obvious one is Murphy – three goals in three games is great. We’re very happy with the squad we have, and hopefully we can get the guys who are injured back soon and then we’ll have an even stronger one.”