A destructive display from Newcastle United as Eddie Howe’s Mags ran riot in a 4-0 win over Ipswich at Portman Road to make it three wins on the spin in all competitions.
Here’s our player ratings and comments from a superb afternoon in Suffolk:
Dubravka (7) – Wasn’t tested too much but what he had to do he did well. Noticeable how much more confident he is on the ball than Pope. Adds an extra dimension when playing out from the back.
Livramento (7.5) – Offers great support down the right and has great dribbling ability. Doesn’t do anything flashy but does his job perfectly.
Schar (8) – Lovely long pass to release Murphy for the opening goal. Was untroubled throughout as Ipswich missed the threat of Delap up front.
Burn (7.5) – Was caught out on one occasion but typically recovered well and threw his body in front of the ball. Tremendous knee slide celebration went to waste as he had a goal ruled out! Rock solid.
Hall (8) – Can see the improvements as each game goes by. Defensively he’s getting into all the right positions and is always a threat in attack. Cross for Bruno was a highlight, as was his vital clearing header in the first half.
Guimaraes (9) – Probably his best game of the season. Ran the show and is thriving in that No.8 role. His connection with Tonali is improving with each game and they’re now not occupying the same spaces. Pressed well for the third goal and unlucky to hit the post with a second half header.
Tonali (8.5) – So composed on the ball and read the danger so well to constantly cut out dangerous breaks from Ipswich. Another masterclass from the Italian as he dictated the game from the base of the midfield. Slick on the ball, always plays it forward quickly and was superb defensively before we ran riot. Undroppable.
Willock (6.5) – Couple of sloppy giveaways and a big chance fired over summed up his performance, where he lacked that sharpness on a day others were bang at it. Never seemed to get going and still looks some way short of his best. Possibly took a knock in the second half when he missed that golden opportunity.
Murphy (9) – Arguably his best performance for the club. Tremendous cross for the first goal and the back heel flick for Isak’s third shows the confidence he’s playing with. Thrashed one in off the underside of the bar to cap off a great days work, but could’ve had a few more assists where his great work wasn’t followed with the finish. That’s now six goal involvements in his last three league games!
Gordon (8) – Grabbed an assist for Murphy after cutting inside well and had three opportunities to get himself on the scoresheet. Worked his socks off and caused the defence nightmares.
Isak (10\*) – A man in form wh. First hat trick for the club and he’s brimming with confidence. Could’ve had a hatful on another day. His movement off the ball is a particular highlight that can go unnoticed.
**Subs:**
Trippier (7) – Came on when the game was as good as over. Plenty of touches and getting minutes into the legs ahead of the Christmas period.
Barnes (6.5) – Should’ve scored late on when played through by Gordon but unselfishly tried to cut it back. Skied a volley from a corner too.
Longstaff (7) – Played some lovely passes and linked the play well. Has lost his place in the starting eleven but still has a crucial role to play.
Almiron (6.5) – Curious decision to bring him on over Osula but he did what Miggy does. Endless running without any end product.
Miley (NR) – Looked classy when he came on. Great to get some minutes under his belt and physically looks a lot more mature.