We asked Mark Jankowski to give us his match ratings and player comments after Ipswich 0 Newcastle 4.
A match where Newcastle United were the better team from first whistle to last.
Alexander Isak of course grabbing all the headlines with his hat-trick.
However, this was pretty much a complete team performance and the only possible downside, was that United had plenty of other opportunities where they could and should have added even more goals.
Match ratings
Dubravka – 7
A relatively quiet day for the Newcastle keeper.
Looked comfortable with the ball at his feet and made the saves he had to with ease.
Livramento – 8
Tino delivered an assured performance, the highlight of which was a excellent recovery tackle on a rare Ipswich attack.
Got up and down the right regularly, to keep Davis pinned back in his own half.
Schar – 8
Sailed though the game with complete confidence.
Utterly confident on the ball as always but also executed several exceptional tackles to nullify any rare Ipswich attacks.
Burn – 8
Big Dan Burn has been arguably our most consistent performer this season.
As excited as I am for Botman to return, the form of Burn will likely mean Botman’s return is executed in a very controlled manner.
Hall – 9
My player of the season to this point.
Young Lewis Hall delivered another top notch performance to further enhance his growing reputation.
For my money he’s the best left back playing in the Premier League this season.
Bruno – 10
I saw more than a few opinions flying around that the captaincy had negatively impacted Bruno and that maybe the responsibility should be moved on. What utter nonsense.
Despite his inability to win a coin toss, Bruno is growing into his role as captain with every passing game.
Today’s performance was the pinnacle of his season so far.
Tonali – 10
Sandro was my shout for player of the season before a ball was kicked back in August.
He’s not there yet but if he continues to play how he has the past week, it’s an inevitability, and I’ll feel particularly smug.
Willock – 7
A decent game from Willock and maybe I’m being a little harsh with his rating, but in such a strong performance as a team, my lasting memory of Willock’s contribution was falling on his face when through on goal unchallenged.
Murphy – 9
Jacob Murphy is always a 7 out of 10 for effort but on days like today he brings real balance and quality to our attack.
Let’s not kid ourselves, we need to improve our options down the right, but today’s performance outlines Murphy’s value to our squad.
Isak – 10
Man of the match.
I was considering marking Isak down a point but only because he should have scored five rather than the three he bagged.
Isak is the most irreplaceable player in our squad.
I’m keeping everything crossed that we can secure 5th and a Champions League spot to keep things that way.
Alexander Isak Bruno Guimares NewcasteGordon – 8
Gordon is back to his best levels following an up and down start to the season.
I would though suggest he spends the next few days practicing his heading after wasting a gilt-edged chance in the first half.
Subs
Trippier – 7
Wasn’t really tested defensively but showed his class on the ball in a decent 30 minute outing.
Barnes – 7
Was clearly desperate to get on the score sheet and was full of positive running in his brief appearance.
Longstaff – 7
Came on and added a confident presence to the midfield in the closing stages.
He also played a couple of lovely first time balls that hinted that he maybe does have the vision I often criticise him of lacking.
Almiron – 6
Lots of industry but no real contribution in his 20 minutes or so on the pitch.
Miley – 7
Great to see young Lewis Miley back in Newcastle colours in the Premier League.
He was very assured on the ball and tired to get involved as much as he could in the minutes he had.
Ipswich 0 Newcastle 4 – Saturday 21 December 3pm
(Stats via BBC Sport)
Goals:
Newcastle United :
Isak 1, 45+2, 50, Murphy 32
Ipswich:
(In brackets the half-time stats)
Possession was Newcastle 59% (52%) Ipswich 41% (48%)
Total shots were Newcastle 15 (10) Ipswich 10 (4)
Shots on target were Newcastle 7 (5) Ipswich 2 (1)
Corners were Newcastle 1 (0) Ipswich 2 (1)
Touches in the box Newcastle 35 (20) Ipswich 20 (10)
Dubravka, Livramento (Trippier 64), Schar, Burn, Hall, Tonali, Bruno (Miley 80), Willock (Longstaff 64), Murphy (Barnes 64), Isak (Almiron 73), Gordon
Unused Subs:
Vlachodimos, Targett, Osula, Kelly
(Ipswich 0 Newcastle 4 – Instant Newcastle United fan/writer reaction – Read HERE)
(Ipswich 0 Newcastle 4 : Absolutely brilliant and Alexander Isak first NUFC hat-trick – Jingle bells! Read HERE)
Newcastle United upcoming matches:
Thursday 26 December – Newcastle v Villa (3pm) Amazon
Monday 30 December – Man U v Newcastle (8pm) Sky Sports
Saturday 4 January – Tottenham v Newcastle (12.30pm) TNT Sports
Week commencing Monday 6 January – Arsenal v Newcastle TBC
Sunday 12 January – Newcastle v Bromley (3pm) BBC iPlayer (FA Cup)
Wednesday 15 January – Newcastle v Wolves (7.30pm) TNT Sports
Saturday 18 January – Newcastle v Bournemouth (12.30pm) TNT Sports
Saturday 25 January – Southampton v Newcastle (3pm)
Saturday 1 February – Newcastle v Fulham (3pm)
Week commencing Monday 3 February – Newcastle v Arsenal TBC
Saturday 15 February – Man City v Newcastle (3pm)
Sunday 23 February – Newcastle v Forest (2pm) Sky Sports