Alexander Isak scores hat-trick as Newcastle enjoy fine away win at Ipswich

A hat-trick from Alexander Isak helped Newcastle follow up a midweek Carabao Cup success with a 4-0 thrashing at Ipswich to give their supporters the perfect week before Christmas.

The Magpies entered this fixture after they secured a place in the League Cup semi-finals on Wednesday with a 3-1 victory over Brentford to remain on track for a first major trophy since 1969.

Any concerns this could be a case of after the Lord Mayor’s show evaporated within 26 seconds when Isak fired home his first after a lengthy VAR check.

Ex-Norwich attacker Jacob Murphy set up the opener and was a constant threat against the rivals of his old club as he grabbed Newcastle’s second before his back heel allowed Isak to complete a 54-minute treble, after he also struck at the end of the first half following more woeful Ipswich defending.

It ensured Eddie Howe masterminded a third consecutive victory, while Kieran McKenna’s side are left to lick their wounds on a day to forget.

Tributes were paid to the late Sir Bobby Robson ahead of kick-off after he managed both clubs with distinction, but the pleasantries quickly disappeared.

Newcastle fans celebrated wildly after a poor clearance by Town captain Sam Morsy from Murphy’s cross allowed Isak to fire home.

Jeers followed from Ipswich supporters’ when the offside flag was raised, but a two-and-a-half minute VAR check occurred and the goal was awarded with Murphy declared onside.

It rocked the hosts, as Sandro Tonali fired wide before Anthony Gordon headed into the ground and over from a Murphy cross after quarter of an hour.

As the rain turned Portman Road’s slick surface into a sodden mess, a neat turn and shot over by Jens Cajuste gave the home team a much-needed shot in the arm of belief.

Mar