Newcastle United breathed fresh life into their Champions League hopes on Saturday.
After falling to a heavy defeat at Aston Villa last weekend, it was imperative that Newcastle United got back to winning ways when Ipswich came to St James’ Park.
The race for the Champions League is tight and allows little margin for error.
Thankfully, Newcastle beat Ipswich 3-0. Alexander Isak scored from the spot in first-half stoppage time before goals from Dan Burn and Will Osula wrapped up what eventually proved to be a routine three points for Eddie Howe’s side.
Despite a lack of attacking prowess from the visitors, it was difficult to ignore the presence of Liam Delap up front.
Newcastle want to sign Delap this summer and fans on social media were having their say.
Newcastle United fans furious with Liam Delap
The 22-year-old appeared to invoke the ire of supporters on social platform X (formerly Twitter), who are of the belief the striker kept diving.
“Delap buying fouls with his diving. Could come in handy for us next season,” said one fan.
Another added: “Delap needs an Oscar…”
“Delap diving again all because Murphy took the ball off him,” was another comment.
Another said: “If we get Delap he’ll need to stop the diving mind, pretty pathetic really.”
“Delap loves to dive. Not even convincingly,” said one fan.
Liam Delap to Newcastle United price set as release clause triggered
Delap has a relegation release clause of £30million in his contract at Ipswich.
Having lost on Tyneside, the Portman Road outfit’s relegation has been confirmed, meaning that release clause will indeed be in play by the time the summer transfer window rolls around.
Newcastle think Delap and Alexander Isak can play together, which is certainly an exciting prospect.
With the club set for a European campaign of some description next season, that kind of strength in depth could be crucial.
| Shots | Shots on target | Key passes | Aerial duels won | Yellow cards |
| 3 | 0 | 0 | 2 | 1 |
It certainly wasn’t Delap’s finest honour on Saturday but the blame can hardly be put solely on his shoulders.
Ipswich have underwhelmed all season, albeit in difficult circumstances considering the fact that newly-promoted clubs appear to be heading straight back down to the Championship in a worrying trend for the Premier League.
Receive a digest of our best Newcastle content each week direct to your mailbox
