Remy scores twice as Newcastle thrash Stoke 5-1 in Premier League

Newcastle: French striker Loic Remy netted twice Thursday as Newcastle routed nine-man Stoke 5-1 in the Premier League to stay within striking distance of the top four.

Stoke went ahead in the 29th minute but faced a nearly impossible task after Glenn Whelan earned a second yellow card in the 40th minute and Marc Wilson was given a straight red card three minutes later for hauling Remy down inside the box.

Remy's penalty was saved by Thomas Sorensen but the Frenchman equalized seconds later with a deflected effort.

The hosts then dominated after the break with Yoan Gouffran making it 2-1 in the 48th before Remy added his second eight minutes later. Yohan Cabaye and Papiss Cisse completed the rout.

Newcastle are sixth, while Stoke is 10th.