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:
5. Dan Burn - 7
A commanding presence once again. Was beaten by Ali Al-Hamadi for pace early in the second-half but recovered well to block the shot. Had a late goal ruled out for offside. | Getty Images
6. Lewis Hall - 8
Used his body well up against the pace of Wes Burn. Then put in a brave header to prevent Conor Chaplin from scoring. A threat when going forward. | Getty Images
7. Sandro Tonali - 8
Once again at the heart of everything in the midfield. So chilled in possession. Put out a couple of fires when Ipswich managed to break forward. | Getty Images
8. Bruno Guimaraes - 8
Won back possession on multiple occasions for his side and dispossessed Jens Cajuste high up to set up Isak’s second. Saw a header that hit the post. | Getty Images