Newcastle United player ratings as Alexander Isak scores a hat-trick in 4-0 win at Ipswich Town.
Isak put the Magpies in front inside the first minute before adding another one after Jacob Murphy’s venomous strike. The Sweden international then completed his hat-trick shortly after half-time.
The 4-0 victory sees Newcastle move up to seventh in the Premier League table, four points off the top four.
Isak put Newcastle ahead after 26 seconds, although it then took a couple of minutes for VAR to decide that Jacob Murphy, originally flagged offside, was onside. Anthony Gordon and Isak wasted big chances before Murphy added a second with a rocket of a finish.
Ipswich then handed the Magpies an early Christmas present on the brink of half-time when goalkeeper Arijanet Muric tried to find Jens Cajuste in his own penalty area, he was dispossessed by Isak who had the easy task of making it 3-0.
Isak then became the first Newcastle player since Ayoze Perez in April 2019 to score a hat-trick when he slotted home in the 54th minute.
Our writer Jordan Cronin was at Portman Road – and here are his Newcastle United player ratings:
1. Newcastle United player ratings
Getty Images
Could have brought a deck chair with the little amount of saves he’s had to make in the last seven days! Made a couple of decent saves and was good with his feet.
2. Martin Dubravka – 7
Could have brought a deck chair with the little amount of saves he’s had to make in the last seven days! Made a couple of decent saves and was good with his feet. | Getty Images
Allowed Ipswich to get in behind on a couple of occasions but did link up well with Jacob Murphy in the attacking third.
3. Tino Livramento – 6.5
Allowed Ipswich to get in behind on a couple of occasions but did link up well with Jacob Murphy in the attacking third. | Getty Images
Played a long pass that released Jacob Murphy in the build-up to the opener. Was hit and miss with his passing after that. Defended well.
4. Fabian Schar – 7
Played a long pass that released Jacob Murphy in the build-up to the opener. Was hit and miss with his passing after that. Defended well. | Getty Images
