Eddie Howe was thrilled that his Newcastle United team embraced the challenge of PSV as they boosted their top-eight hopes with a fine victory in the Champions League. 

Howe watched on as goals from Yoane Wissa and Anthony Gordon put Newcastle in control before Harvey Barnes sealed all three points with his 65th-minute finish. 

The Magpies have now won their last three Champions League home games, keeping a clean sheet in all three, after managing just two shut-outs in their first 13 at St James’ Park in the competition.

But their triumph was helped by Gordon, who has been directly involved in eight goals in the Champions League for Newcastle (six goals, two assists) – the outright most by any player for the Magpies – while he has also equalled Alan Shearer's club record of six goals in the competition.

Newcastle have lost just one of their last 15 games in all competitions on home soil (2-0 against Manchester City in the EFL Cup in January), winning 11 and drawing three.

"It was a really good performance from us. We faced a difficult opponent, who tactically are tough to play against," Howe said. 

"We were rewarded with some really good goals today. It was a really good night for Yoane Wissa and I am really pleased for him. In part, he came to this club for nights like today.

"The players embraced the challenge and I thought it was the best individual performances from a lot of the players for a while.

"A lot of the players have excelled in this competition this year and Anthony Gordon is one of those."

The result moved Newcastle into seventh in the 36-team standings, with a top-eight finish enough to automatically qualify for the last 16 of the Champions League. 

However, Newcastle face a stern test in their final league phase clash, with a visit to the Parc de Princes to face reigning European champions Paris Saint-Germain up next. 

"It is what we have to try to do. One step at a time; it's Aston Villa first. The Premier League is so important and it will be a really tough game," Howe added. 

Howe was also on hand to give an immediate update on the injury sustained by Bruno Guimaraes, with the Newcastle captain replaced by Lewis Miley in the first half. 

Guimaraes, who made his 13th Champions League start for Newcastle, the outright most of any outfield player and one behind Shay Given (14) overall, collided with PSV goalkeeper Matej Kovar and appeared to injure his ankle. 

"For Bruno to come off it is a worrying sign but fingers crossed," the Newcastle boss conceded ahead of their Premier League clash with Aston Villa on Sunday.