Brentford could only provide a couple of minor scares as Newcastle United boosted their chances of clinching a Europa Conference League place next season.
It was the home side who looked to have given the Geordies an early shock as a determined Bryan Mbeumo slotted a cross right into the path of Ivan Toney, who couldn't miss - only for the opener to be chalked off for offside by VAR.
Envigorated by their early escape from danger, Newcastle United found themselves on the scoresheet after 21 minutes when Harvey Barnes drifted between defenders to nod home a Bruno Guimaraes cross.
Any hopes that Brentford had of coming back against a Europe-chasing Magpies team were blown away by a comedy of errors at the back. Zanka failed to control an easy ball, allowing Alexander Isak to steal in and find Jacob Murphy before Sergio Reguilon was dispossessed in his own half to gift Isak a golden chance of his own and set to the score to 3-0 after 38 minutes.
Vitaly Janelt popped up with an unlikely goal after the resumption and Thomas Frank's side began to find a foothold in the game. A Yoane Wissa screamer with 20 minutes left to play getting the Gtech rocking.
Any hopes of a miraculous Brentford recovery were stunted when Mark Flekken could only palm a free-kick into the path of Guimaraes, who added a fourth for the visitors. Here's how the Brentford players rated.
1. Mark Flekken - 6
Not helped by his defence in the first half. Made a good save to prevent Isak before the break. Got down well from a free-kick in the second half but couldn't prevent palming it in the path of Guimaraes.
2. Mads Roerslev - 6
Probably the Brentford defender who was the 'least poor' in the first half. Came off after 63 minutes.
3. Zanka - 3
Looked terrified by the Newcastle United attacking options. His awful chest control led to the Magpies second and he was never convincing.
4. Ethan Pinnock - 4
Better after half-time but another who struggled against the impressive Isak.