Have Newcastle United turned a corner? They just might well have done after finally being able to follow up a good result with another good result by smashing Ipswich Town 4-0 on Saturday.
Inconsistency has plagued Newcastle United this season but just as pressure was starting to grow on Eddie Howe, his side have pulled out three excellent results on the spin.
The Magpies smashed Leicester City 4-0 last weekend, advanced to the Carabao Cup semi-finals over Brentford on Wednesday and were back amongst the goals again this time around against Ipswich.
It took them just 26 seconds to get the lead when Alexander Isak struck the back of the net. Ipswich did grow into the game but were vulnerable to Newcastle’s rapid counters.
Jacob Murphy doubled the advantage as he continued his own hot streak with a thunderous strike that went in off the crossbar before Isak was gifted a second by Ipswich’s defenders.
Three up at the break, Newcastle’s dominance continued as Isak completed his hat trick after poking into the bottom corner. Newcastle controlled the rest of the half in blissful comfort, with a late fifth goal ruled out.
Here’s how the players rated after another brilliant game.
Martin Dubravka – 8
Continues to ensure Newcastle are not missing Nick Pope with another composed performance. When Ipswich mounted some pressure he was alert to it and quick off his line to snuff out danger.
Tino Livramento – 6
A constant runner up and down the flank and linked well with Murphy once again in a growing partnership. Could have been a bit more efficient on the ball and got caught out a couple of times by Sami Szmodics.
Fabian Schar – 7
Made some important tackles and led the backline as well as ever.
Dan Burn – 8
Commanding and dominant at the back, Dan Burn was the man cutting out passes, winning headers and cleaning up any potentially threatening attacks. Got on the score sheet at the death but was disallowed.
Lewis Hall – 8
Lewis Hall displayed tremendous bravery with a fantastic defensive header that prevented an almost guaranteed equaliser and took a bump for his troubles. Was once again useful going forward with great movement, pace and deliveries into the box.
Bruno Guimaraes – 8.5
His intense pressing led to the third goal and that just epitomised another great display from Bruno Guimaraes. The Brazilian is thriving in a more advanced position where his tight control, classy distribution and high energy can really be utilised in the attacking third.
Sandro Tonali – 7
Not as influential going forward as against Brentford and found himself getting overrun at points in the first half as Ipswich attempted to mount a fight back. Yet, he was economical on the ball and helped Newcastle control the tempo in the second 45.
Joe Willock – 7
In for the suspended Joelinton and picked up the mantle in pushing forward from midfield, with his run into the box leading to the opening goal.
Jacob Murphy – 9
The Murphy-sance continues with yet another scintillating display on the right wing. He was a threat from the off as he managed to stay onside and deliver a dangerous cross that led to the opening goal, it won’t go down as an assist but it deserved to.
That continued with lots of good crosses and one defence-splitting through ball that Isak should have scored from before smacking in his third goal in two league games in off the bar.
He finally got his assist in some style, too, as he dribbled into the box, avoided challenges and then back-heeled the ball into the path of Isak.
Long may this purple patch continue.
Alexander Isak – 10
Had the ball in the back of the net within 30 seconds with a smart finish on the half volley to get Newcastle off to the best possible start. Should have done a lot better when through on goal but it mattered little as he got his second after being gifted the ball by Ipswich when they failed to play out from the back.
The super Swede completed his hat-trick after 53 minutes with another great touch and tidy finish from close range.
Despite scoring three times, Isak continues to impress the most with his sublime range of passing after getting the ball in deep positions. He is one of the best Premier League players to watch at present.
Anthony Gordon – 7
Though it was another quiet game for Anthony Gordon’s standards, and he missed a few good chances, he is still making meaningful contributions by picking up another assist.
Substitutes
Kieran Trippier – 6
Solid.
Harvey Barnes – 7
Energetic and unlucky not to get an assist after the fifth goal was disallowed.
Sean Longstaff – 6
Helped see out the game.
Miguel Almiron – 6
Some nice touches on the ball.
Lewis Miley – 6
A welcome return to action for the final 10 minutes and looked sharp as he spread the ball around nicely.
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