Newcastle made it four wins in all competitions as they beat Aston Villa 3-0, who were shut out by John Duran in the first half.
Anthony Gordon needed just 90 seconds to send Newcastle on their way with a wonderful curling strike. Villa's task was already difficult enough after that, but it was made even more difficult by Duran's dismissal after a clash with Fabian Schar.
The Villa striker was thought to have deliberately left some studs on Char's leg and back after the Newcastle man went to ground.
An angry Unai Emery was furious at the decision and confirmed the club will appeal against the three-match ban.
“Three matches for this red card is hard to accept,” said Emery.
“It's obviously for his reputation. He was so quick to say 'sorry, sorry' to the player. There was no action with the intention of kicking him.
“We work a lot with him to teach him. He goes the way we decided for him, but the referees have to be fair, making decisions with time.”
The decision largely disgusted Villa head coach Emery and tempers flared in the dugout where Newcastle assistant manager Jason Tindall and Aston Villa analyst were also sent off.
Jhon Duran fouls Fabian Schar, for which he receives a red card
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Mike Dean gives his thoughts on Duran's red card against Newcastle
Former Premier League referee Mike Dean said Soccer Special: “Only Duran will know if he was able to get out of the way.
“The foot goes on the defender's back and that led to the referee being red carded.”
Newcastle played with great intelligence and composure in the second half with subs and goals from Isak, his seventh in five games, Joelinton netting an easy win.
There could have been more on the day as the Magpies saw a further three goals ruled out as goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez was in fine form but could not prevent the visitors extending their miserable run without a win against Tyneside to 17 games.
Emery: It's not a clear red, why wasn't VAR used?
Aston Villa boss Emery in his press conference:
“It's not a clean red card, it's a big punishment for the player. He didn't have the intention to do it. I could accept it if the referee looked at VAR to punish with a red card, but we have to use it. The referee can take time to make the right decision the penalty is so high if it's not clear, I've always agreed with VAR, but please use it.”
Analysis: Howe answered the call
Sky Sports' Oliver Yew:
Things can change quickly in football!
A few weeks ago, the pressure was seemingly mounting on Eddie Howe at Newcastle. They went four games without a win and a 4-2 defeat at Brentford left Howe with plenty of questions to answer.
However, fast forward a few weeks and after four straight wins things are looking a lot better.
The Carabao Cup semi-finals await and Howe's men are up to fifth. The momentum is building nicely for Newcastle.