[Newcastle United](https://cominghomenewcastle.sbnation.com) secured their third emphatic win in seven days with a 4–0 demolition of Ipswich Town at Portman Road as the Magpies went to sleep on Saturday sitting pretty in seventh place and just one point behind Man City in sixth.
Alexander Isak was the star of the show, bagging his first Premier League hat-trick as Jacob Murphy continued his sparkling form with a goal and an assist.
Eddie Howe’s side dominated from start—from the 26th second on if you are too picky—to finish, showcasing their best football of the season in a performance that oozed confidence and quality and could tease a massive second half of the season for the lads clad in Black & White stripes.
Less than half a minute after Ipswich got the ball rolling Isak lashed home a half-volley after Murphy’s cross caused chaos in the host’s box.
Initially flagged offside, the goal was awarded after a lengthy VAR review confirmed Murphy had timed his run perfectly.
That was just a sign of things to come, with Newcastle overwhelming Ipswich in midfield and finding joy down the flanks with acres of space each time they decided to push forward.
Murphy, who has been in impressive form lately, added Newcastle’s second in the 32nd minute with a thumping right-footed strike from the edge of the area.
Just before halftime, Bruno Guimaraes intercepted a loose pass from Ipswich’s goalie, teeing up Isak for a simple finish to double his tally and put the game beyond Ipswich’s reach—as if it wasn’t already, anyway.
The Swede completed his hat-trick in style early in the second half. After Murphy’s outrageous backheel set him up. Isak calmly slotted the ball past the netminder, joining an exclusive club of Swedish players to score a Premier League hat-trick comprised of well, just him and a certain Freddie Ljungberg.
“It’s a great feeling,” Isak said after the game. “The team has been working hard, and I’m just happy to contribute. These kinds of performances show what we’re capable of.”
Howe praised his players after the match, highlighting Isak and Murphy’s contributions.
“Alex was outstanding today. A hat-trick is a special moment, and he’s been in fantastic form,” Howe said. “Jacob’s performances over the last week have been incredible. He’s showing how valuable he is to this team. Overall, it was a complete performance.”
The win caps off a remarkable turnaround for Newcastle, who have now scored 11 goals across three consecutive victories, keeping two clean sheets and climbing from 12th to seventh in the Premier League while also clinching a place in the Carabao Cup semifinals to be played starting in January against Arsenal.
One game at a time, though, and it’s [Aston Villa](https://7500toholte.sbnation.com) coming in next Thursday at SJP for another EPL game right after Santa’s gifts are delivered.