Newcastle United delivered a stunning performance at Portman Road, thrashing Ipswich Town 4-0 with Alexander Isak netting a hat-trick and Jacob Murphy contributing another goal. This decisive victory was not only significant for the points earned but also marked Newcastle’s fastest-ever away goal in Premier League history.
From the first whistle, Newcastle demonstrated their intent. Almost instantly, they put Ipswich on the back foot with Isak’s volley finding the net just 26 seconds after kickoff. Although the assistant referee initially flagged the goal for offside, VAR reviewed the play and confirmed Murphy was onside, allowing the goal to stand. Eddie Howe, Newcastle's manager, praised Isak's talent, stating, "He’s got it all." Isak's early strike gave Newcastle the momentum they needed.
Despite Newcastle’s strong start, Ipswich had their moments, with Conor Chaplin and Sammie Szmodics attempting to make runs and put pressure on the visiting defense. A quick burst down the right flank by Wes Burns led to Szmodics receiving the ball inside the box, but Newcastle's goalkeeper Martin Dubravka made the save. For Ipswich, it was their best chance, but they could not capitalize.
Newcastle continued to assert their dominance. After Isak's opener, Jacob Murphy doubled the lead with a remarkable shot off the crossbar, finding the net remarkably well 32 minutes in. Murphy had been pivotal, assisting Isak’s first goal and consistently troubling Ipswich’s defense.
The Geordies took full advantage of Ipswich's weaknesses. Following another lapse from Ipswich's defense just before halftime, Bruno Guimarães dispossessed Jens Cajuste, allowing Isak to tap the ball home for Newcastle’s third goal. The home crowd's disappointment echoed as they approached halftime with loud boos, reflecting their frustrations.
Post-break, it was clear Newcastle was hungry for more. Just nine minutes in, Murphy showcased excellent skill with a backheel assist to Isak, who finished expertly to complete his hat-trick. "I’m surprised it’s taken him this long to get a hat-trick," Howe smiled, reflecting on the Swede’s performance.
With the score at 4-0, Newcastle relaxed slightly, but they still maintained control of the game. Joe Willock nearly added another but missed the target. Ipswich sought to salvage pride, with Nathan Broadhead forcing another save from Dubravka but failing to make any significant headway against Newcastle’s superior quality.
The pressure weighed heavy on Ipswich, who found themselves anchored at 18th place, retaining their two-point gap from safety. Manager Kieran McKenna, highlighting the day's difficulties, remarked, "Difficult day for us, the opponent was strong," indicating his acknowledgment of the gap between his side and Newcastle’s quality.
Isak’s hat-trick was not only his first career treble for the club but also marked him as one of the few Swedish players to achieve such a feat in the Premier League. His performance has significantly contributed to Newcastle's upward surge, leaving them just four points shy of the coveted top four positions.
The win at Portman Road also highlighted Ipswich's struggles as they have not won any of their opening nine home games. With just two points over last place, above expectations set by their recent performances, their path to survival seems more arduous, with tough matches coming up against formidable opponents, including Arsenal and Manchester City.
McKenna knows they need improvements, especially after such defeats. With each passing game, the pressure mounts as the team seeks to bolster their squad during the upcoming transfer window, with aspirations of dodging relegation becoming increasingly dire.
For Newcastle, they are buoyed by this victory just before the Christmas break, showing signs of reclaiming their top-flight status with back-to-back wins. Their attacking prowess has emerged again, much to the delight of their supporters, as they prepare for dealing with the challenges posed by fellow European hopefuls Aston Villa and Manchester United.
With Isak's performance rekindling hopes of European competition, both clubs will head to their next matches with contrasting aspirations. Newcastle fans will certainly be celebrating, confident their team can continue this form, as memories of Sir Bobby Robson will linger beautifully following such triumphant display.
