Ipswich 0 Newcastle 4 : Absolutely brilliant and Alexander Isak first NUFC hat-trick – Jingle bells! | OneFootball

Ipswich 0 Newcastle 4 – Saturday 21 December 3pm

I think it was fair to think that Eddie Howe would have his team trying to get hold of this game from the first whistle, hopefully an early goal to settle things down.

Ipswich kicked off.

Newcastle United got possession, a brilliant long ball from Schar (how often do we say that) set Murphy clear down the right. He crossed and it was only cleared as far as Isak who smashed it into the net, 25 seconds gone.

The assistant referee flagged for a Murphy offside but after a very lengthy VAR check, onside!

It could/should have been six or seven by the break.

Isak a couple of great chances including a one on one.

Gordon a couple of great chances, including a header that bounced off the ground and just over the bar.

Other chances as well went begging.

However, United did take another two.

Bruno finding Murphy in the box and he smashed an excellent effort into the net off the underside of the bar.

Bruno then pressing high and a daft ball from the keeper to a defender inside his penalty area, saw the Brazilian rob him and Isak slotted home.

Newcastle 3-0 up at the break and well worth it. Ipswich got around the NUFC a fair few times but so little goal threat, top scorer Liam Delap suspended.

Five minutes after the break and what a goal it would have been.

Willock and Gordon combining to set Hall down the left, a lovely cross and Bruno’s header hitting the post!

We didn’t have to wait long…

Murphy picking the ball up on 54 minutes just outside the Ipswich box and reflecting his and the team’s confidence, danced through a handful of home players before a glorious back flick found Isak, what a cool finish from Isak!

Two minutes later, could and should have been five, Bruno releasing Willock and he cut inside but blazed over. The midfielder landing awkwardly but after treatment, able to continue.

With four goals to the good and 26 minutes to go, Eddie Howe using his squad.

Livramento, Murphy and Willock, replaced by Trippier, Longstaff, and Barnes.

United seeing the game out with a bit less intensity, though still carrying some threat.

With 17 minutes left, Alexander Isak looked after, wrapped up in cotton wool to make sure he will be more than ready for Villa on Boxing Day. Almiron replacing him and the Sweden international heading to the sidelines to wait for the match ball.

Five minutes later and Dubravka needing to make a save, a low effort from outside the box seeing him make a comfortable save.

Final sub of the day, nice to see Lewis Miley getting on the pitch, coming on for Bruno with 10 minutes left on the clock.

A couple of minutes to go and Lewis Hall doing great on the left and looking up saw Miggy beyond the back post unmarked. If his cross had been as intended, it was a certain goal, but cross was grabbed by the home keeper.

As the minutes ticked down, I think the priorities became no injuries and after that, a clean sheet.

Both things achieved.

However, Dan Burn charging up the pitch in added time, after a scramble BDB putting the ball in the net, only for VAR to rule it out on a close offside decision.

Ipswich 0 Newcastle 4 – Saturday 21 December 3pm

Goals:

Newcastle United:

Isak 1, 45+2, 50, Murphy 32

Ipswich:

(In brackets the half-time stats)

Possession was Newcastle 59% (52%) Ipswich 41% (48%)

Total shots were Newcastle 15 (10) Ipswich 10 (4)

Shots on target were Newcastle 7 (5) Ipswich 2 (1)

Corners were Newcastle 1 (0) Ipswich 2 (1)

Touches in the box Newcastle 35 (20) Ipswich 20 (10)

Dubravka, Livramento (Trippier 64), Schar, Burn, Hall, Tonali, Bruno (Miley 80), Willock (Longstaff 64), Murphy (Barnes 64), Isak (Almiron 73), Gordon

Unused Subs:

Vlachodimos, Targett, Osula, Kelly

Newcastle United upcoming matches:

Saturday 21 December – Ipswich v Newcastle (3pm)

Thursday 26 December – Newcastle v Villa (3pm) Amazon

Monday 30 December – Man U v Newcastle (8pm) Sky Sports

Saturday 4 January – Tottenham v Newcastle (12.30pm) TNT Sports

Week commencing Monday 6 January – Arsenal v Newcastle TBC

Sunday 12 January – Newcastle v Bromley (3pm) BBC iPlayer (FA Cup)

Wednesday 15 January – Newcastle v Wolves (7.30pm) TNT Sports

Saturday 18 January – Newcastle v Bournemouth (12.30pm) TNT Sports

Saturday 25 January – Southampton v Newcastle (3pm)

Saturday 1 February – Newcastle v Fulham (3pm)

Week commencing Monday 3 February – Newcastle v Arsenal TBC