Alexander Isak's perfect tribute to Sir Bobby as Ipswich fans show class to Newcastle United star

Alexander Isak was warmly applauded off at a chilly Portman Road after becoming the first Newcastle United player to grab a hat-trick since Ayoze Perez - five years earlier.

Perez's treble against Southampton half a decade ago helped Newcastle stabilise themselves in the top-flight, but here Eddie Howe's side hauled themselves right back into the European race. Isak had started the day as he meant to go on with a goal after 25 seconds but his superb display was not only enjoyed by the travelling 3,200 fans from Tyneside, but also respected by some Ipswich fans.

As Isak left the field some home fans offered the type of sporting applause Sir Bobby Robson would have appreciated. It may not have been Ipswich's day here but the game was contested in the type of spirit the ex-Newcastle and Town manager used to love.

The build-up to the game was packed with tributes to Sir Bobby with clips of his greatest triumphs replayed on the big screens and a poignant airing of his favourite song My Way by Frank Sinatra. But could the match live up to the tenacious attacking affair that the former England boss would have appreciated?

Well, Newcastle, attacking the Sir Bobby Robson Stand, started the game in a lively manner and made a breakthrough after just 25 seconds as Jacob Murphy's cross ended up at the feet of Alexander Isak. The Sweden star fired into the net but the flag went up before a VAR check took place with Murphy, who'd latched onto Fabian Schar's long ball, deemed offside initially.

A lengthy examination took place by the VAR team before referee Stuart Attwell signaled the £ 63 million man's strike would stand, and Murphy was just onside. That was the cue for another eruption in the away end as the Toon players celebrated their early lead a second time.

For Isak, it was his ninth goal of the season, with the striker cashing in after Sam Morsy's block rolled perfectly into his path. It was a moment that stunned the home side and Newcastle were able to start posing questions about a second goal.

Sandro Tonali sent in an effort from 25 yards with 10 minutes gone, but his effort whistled over the crossbar. Another Murphy cross on 14 minutes found Anthony Gordon at the back post but his header into the ground bounced over the top.

A vicious swerving effort from Murphy on 17 minutes flew past the upright as Newcastle threatened a second. Isak should have grabbed another on 24 minutes when Murphy played him in again but the ball was gathered by Arijanet Muric.

As the December rain swept into Portman Road the truth was that Newcastle could have had this game wrapped up before the half hour mark. Yet United would double their lead on 32 minutes after a lovely sweeping move forward into the Ipswich half.

Joe Willock rolled the ball to Isak before he found Gordon on the left hand-side before the Scouser drove into the box. Gordon then smartly dribbled around no fewer than four defenders allowing Murphy to take a touch in the box before slamming it off the bar for 2-0!

Gordon slipped in Isak on 42 minutes with the Swedish star curling at Muric but he showed safe hands. The Magpies looked to have had the game tied up before the break.

Arijanet Muric's attempted backpass to Jens Cajuste was intercepted after some dogged determination from Bruno. He then dispossessed the Ipswich man to hand Isak a gift before he gratefully tapped home to extend the lead even further.

It was a goal that left Newcastle players and fans barely believing their luck at such generosity from the hosts. But the first half had been excellent from the Magpies with Tonali in absolutely sparkling form in midfield.

His variation of long and short passes was a delight to watch with the combination with Bruno now blossoming for Howe. The second half saw Newcastle go in search of more goals with Bruno's header hitting the post after Lewis Hall's cross on 51 minutes.

Isak's quest for a hat-trick - Newcastle's first in the Premier League since Ayoze Perez scored three against Southampton in 2019 - was ended on 54 minutes. Murphy's clever run into the box saw the winger back-heel the ball into the path of Isak who calmly guided home to collect the match ball.

Willock was unlucky when skipping through just before the hour before his effort drifted just over.

The home side introduced former Newcastle transfer target Kalvin Phillips with half an hour to play. The England international had turned down United's advances for West Ham 12 months ago but saw the full might of Newcastle here.

Gordon drove forward down the left and cut inside well on 63 minutes but his effort was straight at the keeper. Howe made a treble change when he introduced Kieran Trippier, Sean Longstaff and Harvey Barnes with 26 minutes to go.

Barnes lashed one just over soon after his introduction as Newcastle kept piling pressure on the home defence. Isak's shift was over with 17 minutes to go as Howe replaced him with unsettled attacker Miguel Almiron.

As the game petered out Bruno came off for Lewis Miley with the Brazil star handing the armband to Trippier on his way off. And unlike last week against Leicester he simply wrapped it around his arm rather than pass it to Dan Burn.

Burn had the ball in the back of the net in stoppage time but the goal was chalked off for an offside call. However, by then the points had already been signed, sealed and delivered.

And Sir Bobby would have absolutely loved it! Of that there can be no doubt.

Referee: Stuart Attwell (Warwickshire)

Attendance: 29,774