Alexander Isak scored a hat-trick as Newcastle United ran riot away at Ipswich Town.
Isak put the Magpies in front inside the first minute before adding another one after Jacob Murphy’s venomous strike. The Sweden international then completed his hat-trick shortly after half-time.
The 4-0 victory sees Newcastle move up to seventh in the Premier League table, four points off the top four.
After naming the same starting XI for wins over Brentford and Leicester City, Eddie Howe was forced into one change with Joe Willock coming in for the suspended Joelinton. Ipswich, meanwhile, were without top goalscorer Liam Delap. Sammie Szmodics replaced him.
Isak put Newcastle ahead after 26 seconds, although it then took a couple of minutes for VAR to decide that Jacob Murphy, originally flagged offside, was onside. Anthony Gordon and Isak wasted big chances before Murphy added a second with a rocket of a finish.
Ipswich then handed the Magpies an early Christmas present on the brink of half-time when goalkeeper Arijanet Muric tried to find Jens Cajuste in his own penalty area, he was dispossessed by Isak who had the easy task of making it 3-0.
Isak then became the first Newcastle player since Ayoze Perez in April 2019 to score a hat-trick when he slotted home in the 54th minute.
Our writer Jordan Cronin was at Portman Road - and here are his Newcastle United player ratings:
1. Newcastle United player ratings
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2. Martin Dubravka - 7
Could have brought a deck chair with the little amount of saves he’s had to make in the last seven days! Made a couple of decent saves and was good with his feet. | Getty Images
3. Tino Livramento - 6.5
Allowed Ipswich to get in behind on a couple of occasions but did link up well with Jacob Murphy in the attacking third. | Getty Images
4. Fabian Schar - 7
Played a long pass that released Jacob Murphy in the build-up to the opener. Was hit and miss with his passing after that. Defended well. | Getty Images