Three things we learnt as Newcastle hammer Union SG to kickstart Champions League campaign

Gordon was reliable from the spot once more after referee Urs Schnyder gave the visitors a penalty for handball. Second-half substitution Harvey Barnes then completed the rout for the Tyneside club 10 minutes from time after a lightning-fast counter attack.

While Nick Pope was forced into a few impressive saves, it was comfortable on the whole for Newcastle, who could have even had more.

With that being said, here are three things we learnt from the night's early kick-off.

​The front three starting to click

It was a dominating evening for Newcastle, who created chance after chance and could have had a hatful of goals. Most of that is down to their new-look front three.

Replacing Alexander Isak seemed an impossible task - particularly when coupled with the Magpies’ recruitment woes this summer - but it looks like they have done a stellar job in Nick Woltemade.

The German giant grabbed his third goal already for the club and showed yet again he can play a big part in front of goal and the build-up play despite his larger stature, just like his predecessor. The 23-year-old has started with a bang.

He was joined by fellow newcomer Anthony Elanga, who won the first-half penalty, and Anthony Gordon, who scored it, along with the third. Both were electric on the night and proved to the Newcastle faithful that their flashy new forward line has the potential to cause real problems.

The attackers boast immense pace, height and quality on the ball. The trickery in their feet, demonstrated by Elanga for the penalty but has been shown by all three throughout the campaign so far, is impressive.

With options such as Jacob Murphy, Harvey Barnes and Joe Willock on the bench, as well as £50million man Yoane Wissa not yet fit, it shows the immense strength in depth. Howe’s side promises to score many goals once more this season.

Keiran Trippier shows no sign of slowing down

At 35 years of age, rumours were rife this summer that Keiran Trippier was set to leave St James' Park after three brilliant years at the club. He remained, and time could prove it to be a great decision for club and player.

The full-back demonstrated his usual leadership skills, commanding instructions to a new-look back-line including Malick Thiaw, who has been fantastic since his introduction to the squad.

But it wasn't just his experience that still shines through; the quality on the ball he provides is still exceptional and very much of use to Howe. His whipped deliveries and cross-field balls give the side a completely different option of attack.

What makes his performance even more important is Tino Livramento's recent injury. Reports state the youngster is set to face eight weeks on the sidelines, and with Lewis Hall, who was a second-half substitution tonight, also returning to full fitness, a firing Trippier will be crucial to Howe.

He can expect to be a mainstay in the side for the near future, particularly as Newcastle navigate Livramento's injury.

But even when the Englishman returns, if Newcastle are looking to go deep in domestic and continental tournaments, Trippier's experience and quality will be vital in achieving that.

A midfield that could dominate any game

Newcastle’s famed midfield trio of Joelinton, Bruno Guimaraes and Sandro Tonali started on the evening for the Magpies, and they gave the platform that allowed Howe’s side to dominate the game.

The English boss has crafted this midfield almost from scratch, and it has everything you need from a midfield: strength, aggression, quality, dynamism, leadership… the list really could go on.

Guimaraes has revelled in the role as on-field captain since his appointment; an ever-present who can drag his team through difficult times - remember his performance against Liverpool earlier this year. There is no ball the Brazilian won’t go for and he is a huge reason as to why Newcastle have played European football twice in three years.

Tonali provides sheer quality on the ball. A controlled strike from him tonight, taking a deflection off Woltemade, opened the scoreline. Since his return to the team just over a year ago, he has quickly become a fan favourite, and no one can see that changing any time soon.

Finally, Joelinton, a true rags-to-riches story at St James’ Park. Began his career on Tyneside as an underwhelming striker, a flop even. Now finds himself one of the most aggressive and feared midfielders in the league and completes a magical trio.

The three were on form yet again tonight, barely allowing Union SG a sniff. Any game that Newcastle start these three in midfield, they have a serious chance of winning.