Alexander Isak’s hat-trick fires Newcastle past outclassed Ipswich
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Sir Bobby Robson adored both of these clubs but, in their first Premier League meeting since his passing, it was Newcastle whose display would have made the old master’s eyes twinkle. This was, put bluntly, men against boys and the away side would not have been flattered by a heavier win. Ipswich, truly pummelled for the first time this season, could plead a fair degree of mitigation but Eddie Howe’s players will rarely be allowed to run amok like this away from home.
![[The Sir Bobby Robson statue at Portman Road was draped in a half-and-half scarf for the match.]](https://i.guim.co.uk/img/media/99c7b4e1a25ba2d71e5abf74cdef22691fd1eca0/0_190_5306_3183/master/5306.jpg?width=445&dpr=1&s=none&crop=none)
They scored within a minute through Alexander Isak and never let up, the Swede eventually completing a hat-trick and a record of nine goals in as many top-flight outings. Jacob Murphy, influential here, thudded in the second of a match that was over by half-time. Newcastle, lethal in successive 4-0 wins, are starting to suggest a return to their convincing best.
![[Jacob Murphy celebrates his goal with Anthony Gordon, the provider.]](https://i.guim.co.uk/img/media/29bf498a7576657e901ebbe48b58f6055fe99339/0_186_3000_1800/master/3000.jpg?width=445&dpr=1&s=none&crop=none)
In the two hours preceding kick-off queues had formed by the statue of Robson, draped in a half-and-half scarf for the day, that stands yards from the away supporters’ section at Portman Road. A helpful steward obliged those who waited in line for photographs; these two institutions, much-changed but each retaining their own beating heart, will always share something precious in his legend.
Newcastle found something of high shorter-term value within 26 seconds of the start. The instinct was to assume Murphy had strayed offside when collecting a raking Fabian Schär pass that exposed Cameron Burgess. He had space to surge into and, when his cross from the right was only half-cleared, Isak thrashed the loose ball into the ground and past Aro Muric. Up went the flag but, after a wait of almost three minutes, VAR determined Murphy’s timing had been on point.
