Alexander Isak praised Jacob Murphy after scoring a hat-trick against Ipswich(Image: Michael Regan)

Alexander Isak celebrates first Newcastle hat-trick with tribute to team-mate

Newcastle thrashed Ipswich Town 4-0 to head into Christmas on a high and it was an extra special afternoon for Alexander Isak, who headed back up north with the matchball

by · The Mirror

Alexander Isak toasted his first treble in a Newcastle shirt before tipping his hat to the Toon's other goalscorer, Jacob Murphy.

The highly sought-after Sweden striker needed just 26 seconds to fire Eddie Howe's side in front against Ipswich Town. And he went on to add two more goals after Murphy - who assisted Isak's third goal - doubled Newcastle's lead half an hour later.

As if Ipswich's chastening 4-0 loss at home wasn't bad enough, Isak then sang the praises of Murphy - who used play for the Tractor Boys' arch-rivals, Norwich City - after the final whistle.

"He's really helpful, a team player. I am obviously happy for him that he gets rewarded with points too," Isak said before breaking down his first ever Newcastle hat-trick.

He added: "We've been playing so much better lately, and it has been showing in the results. It's been a long time coming for Newcastle, my first one [hat-trick] here. I'm buzzing.

"Just scoring goals will give confidence, and help me and the team. It doesn't matter if it's one, two or three."

While Isak was keen to shower praise on Murphy, the striker was lauded by Howe after the final whistle. He is now on 10 league goals for the season and is starting to hit form at the right time after a slow start to the 2024-25 campaign.

Murphy scored Newcastle's other goal against Ipswich( Image: Michael Regan)

The Newcastle boss said: "There's no doubting his quality. We just needed to get the framework of the team right to give him the opportunity to score. He has really responded well. The goals today just show his class and coolness in front of goal. With his speed and his technical ability, he has a bit of everything.

"The plan is that Sandro [Tonali] plays a little bit deeper than Joe Willock and Bruno [Guimaraes], but they're still given a freedom to express themselves and to move. It's getting that balance right between the freedom and the structure, and I think they got the balance perfect."

On the win, Howe added: "Absolutely delighted with the players and what they've given this week, it's been a really big week for us. Getting through to the semi-finals of the Carabao Cup was one of our big aims and our league form needed to improve so brilliant to get back-to-back wins."

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