Newcastle United are back to their best.
It was yet another complete performance as Newcastle dominated Ipswich on Saturday.
An Alexander Isak hat-trick takes the headlines as what sealed the deal to make it three wins in a week after Newcastle beat Leicester and Brentford at St James’ Park.
The Magpies hit the ground running as Isak took the lead after just 26 seconds before adding his second in added time. He became Newcastle’s first player to score a hat-trick since April 2019 when he cooly finished from close range after 54 minutes.
It was an important away win which ended a run of two games without a win on the road but you wouldn’t have thought that if you looked at how Newcastle played today.
The win moves Newcastle up to seventh in the Premier League table, just two points off their boxing day opponents Aston Villa in fifth.
While Newcastle must now keep an eye on the January transfer window, one person’s performance gives sporting director Paul Mitchell a lot of thinking to do.
Jacob Murphy of Newcastle United celebrates scoring his team's second goal during the Premier League match between Ipswich Town FC and Newcastle Un...
Photo by Michael Regan/Getty Images
Jacob Murphy’s performance against Ipswich Town shows Newcastle United have quality at right wing
Jacob Murphy was electric in the win against Ipswich on Saturday. He was a huge part of why the scoreline was so high.
The 29-year-old scored Newcastle’s second and bagged a spectacular assist for Isak’s third to round off a Man of the Match-worthy performance.
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It’s no secret that Newcastle want a right winger and there are targets that Mitchell will chase in the January transfer window.
Newcastle wants PSV Eindhoven’s Johan Bakayoko who could cost as much as £50million while the Magpies are also interested in Brentford star Bryan Mbeumo who is available for the same price.
Murphy’s form at this point of the season is huge and could completely shift plans that were in place for January. Howe will be hoping that he keeps up this great run of form into the New Year.
With Newcastle also in the market for a goalkeeper and striker, Murphy’s form could save precious PSR funds that would’ve been spent on a winger.
Jacob Murphy’s performance against Ipswich Town by numbers
It can’t be understated how much Murphy’s 64 minutes on the pitch helped Newcastle leave Portman Road with all three points.
As well as the goal and assist, Murphy completed 85% of his pass attempts (17/20), created three big chances, made two recoveries, two passes into the final third and wasn’t dispossessed at all. (Fotmob)
The performance is an example of what fans would’ve expected when he signed from Norwich for £12m. They will be delighted to now see a lot on his side with his place in the starting XI solidified.
There were doubts over whether Eddie Howe was right to be playing him during his inconsistent patch, but his performance today proved his decision completely correct.
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