Newcastle United delivered a scintillating performance at Portman Road, thrashing Ipswich Town 4-0, with Alexander Isak netting his first Premier League hat-trick. Former Norwich City player Jacob Murphy starred against Ipswich, contributing a goal and two assists to ensure a dominant afternoon for Eddie Howe’s side.
1. Match Highlights
Lightning-Fast Start
Newcastle wasted no time asserting their dominance:
- 26 Seconds: Alexander Isak scored the opener within the first half-minute, assisted by Jacob Murphy.
- VAR Drama: The goal stood after a lengthy offside check, setting the tone for Newcastle’s dominance.
Murphy’s Moment of Brilliance
- Murphy doubled Newcastle’s lead with a thunderous strike that ricocheted off the crossbar, leaving Ipswich goalkeeper Arijanet Muric helpless.
Isak’s Clinical Finishing
- First Half: Isak capitalized on a defensive error by Jens Cajuste to make it 3-0 just before halftime.
- Hat-Trick Hero: In the 54th minute, Isak completed his hat-trick after a sublime backheel assist from Murphy.
2. Player Ratings
Ipswich Town (4-2-3-1)
| Player | Rating | Comments |
|---|---|---|
| GK: Arijanet Muric | 4.6/10 | At fault for Newcastle’s third goal and struggled throughout the game. |
| RB: Harry Clarke | 5.0/10 | Overrun by Newcastle’s relentless attack. |
| CB: Dara O’Shea | 5.7/10 | Struggled to contain Isak’s movement. |
| CB: Cameron Burgess | 5.7/10 | Put in some blocks but was outclassed overall. |
| LB: Leif Davis | 5.8/10 | Showed energy but was ineffective in stopping Murphy and Gordon. |
| CM: Sam Morsy | 5.8/10 | Tried to impose himself but was outplayed by Newcastle’s midfield. |
| CM: Jens Cajuste | 4.2/10 | His error gifted Newcastle their third goal, capping a poor performance. |
| AM: Omari Hutchinson | 5.6/10 | Showed flashes of skill but lacked end product. |
| RW: Wes Burns | 6.2/10 | Ipswich’s brightest spark, but with little support. |
| ST: Conor Chaplin | 6.2/10 | Worked hard but was isolated up front. |
| LW: Sammie Szmodics | 6.1/10 | Struggled to impact the game. |
Newcastle United (4-3-3)
| Player | Rating | Comments |
|---|---|---|
| GK: Martin Dubravka | 7.7/10 | Rarely tested but made a crucial save to preserve the clean sheet. |
| RB: Tino Livramento | 7.4/10 | Solid defensively and contributed to attacking phases. |
| CB: Fabian Schar | 7.8/10 | Composed at the back and sharp in distribution. |
| CB: Dan Burn | 7.6/10 | Denied a goal by VAR but solid defensively. |
| LB: Lewis Hall | 7.7/10 | Energetic performance on the flank, linking well with Gordon. |
| CM: Sandro Tonali | 7.4/10 | Controlled the tempo and broke up play effectively. |
| CM: Bruno Guimaraes | 8.5/10 | Dominated midfield and created opportunities with precision passing. |
| CM: Joe Willock | 6.4/10 | Worked hard but was less influential compared to his midfield partners. |
| RW: Jacob Murphy | 8.6/10 | A goal, two assists, and relentless energy against his old rivals. |
| ST: Alexander Isak | 9.7/10 | Player of the Match. Clinical hat-trick and sharp movement throughout. |
| LW: Anthony Gordon | 8.3/10 | Constant threat on the left, creating chances and stretching Ipswich’s defense. |
3. Tactical Analysis
Newcastle’s Dominance
- High-Pressing Game: Newcastle’s pressing forced errors, most notably Cajuste’s mistake for Isak’s second goal.
- Fluid Attack: Murphy, Isak, and Gordon formed a dynamic front three, creating numerous chances.
Ipswich’s Struggles
- Defensive Errors: Individual mistakes, particularly from Muric and Cajuste, proved costly.
- Lack of Threat: Ipswich managed only a handful of opportunities, none of which truly tested Dubravka.
4. Key Takeaways
Newcastle United
- Momentum Building: After securing a Carabao Cup semi-final spot midweek, Newcastle’s confidence is soaring.
- Hat-Trick Hero: Isak’s performance highlighted his clinical finishing and importance to the team.
Ipswich Town
- Winless at Home: Ipswich are still searching for their first home win of the season, with performances like this offering little encouragement.
- Defensive Concerns: The backline must improve to avoid further heavy defeats.
5. What’s Next?
Newcastle United
Eddie Howe’s side will aim to maintain their momentum as they look to solidify their place in the Premier League’s top six.
Ipswich Town
Kieran McKenna faces a tough task in lifting his team’s morale as they continue their fight to stay competitive in the Premier League.
FAQs
- Who scored for Newcastle United?
Alexander Isak scored a hat-trick, and Jacob Murphy added one goal. - What was the final score?
Newcastle United defeated Ipswich Town 4-0. - Who was the Player of the Match?
Alexander Isak was named Player of the Match for his clinical hat-trick. - What’s next for Newcastle?
Newcastle will look to continue their winning streak in their next Premier League fixture. - How has Ipswich performed at home this season?
Ipswich remain winless at home, struggling to find form in front of their fans.
