I fancy United will register a third in a row Premier League maximum, followed by a fourth at Old Trafford | OneFootball

Some Newcastle United fans have complained that NUFC often fail to reach the heights against so-called lesser teams.

A few more results like this and we’ll be accused of turning into flat-track bullies.

Last Saturday, Leicester City were brushed aside 4-0, today Ipswich were tonked by the same score.

What’s not to like, especially with Eddie Howe able to make early strategic substitutions with the points assured?

Well, our finishing could be more clinical, as it was at Bramall Lane 15 months ago, but that is being picky.

Let’s hope Barnes, Gordon and the rest rediscover their goal touch ASAP.

Isak finally notched the hat-trick many of us have been predicting since he first donned the famous black-and-white stripes. Not that it ever seemed to be a monkey on his back, the way he has kept shooting and scoring after an injury-blighted debut season.

Murphy is channelling his inner Almiron from the 2022-23 season. His performance at Portman Road should silence a few whingers, though I doubt it will.

Miley made his eagerly awaited return from injury. He’s more than a year older and looks stronger than when he burst onto the scene with some assured displays. The happy news keeps on coming.

Villa will be a tougher nut on Boxing Day. They were impressive against the floundering Premier League champions in the early kick-off.

On this form, however, I fancy United will register a third consecutive Premier League maximum. Followed by a fourth at Old Trafford on December 30. Let the good times roll!

Ipswich 0 Newcastle 4 – Saturday 21 December 3pm

Goals:

Newcastle United:

Isak 1, 45+2, 50, Murphy 32

Ipswich:

(In brackets the half-time stats)

Possession was Newcastle 59% (52%) Ipswich 41% (48%)

Total shots were Newcastle 15 (10) Ipswich 10 (4)

Shots on target were Newcastle 7 (5) Ipswich 2 (1)

Corners were Newcastle 1 (0) Ipswich 2 (1)

Touches in the box Newcastle 35 (20) Ipswich 20 (10)

Dubravka, Livramento (Trippier 64), Schar, Burn, Hall, Tonali, Bruno (Miley 80), Willock (Longstaff 64), Murphy (Barnes 64), Isak (Almiron 73), Gordon

Unused Subs:

Vlachodimos, Targett, Osula, Kelly

(Ipswich 0 Newcastle 4 – Instant Newcastle United fan/writer reaction – Read HERE)

(Ipswich 0 Newcastle 4 : Absolutely brilliant and Alexander Isak first NUFC hat-trick – Jingle bells! Read HERE)

Thursday 26 December – Newcastle v Villa (3pm) Amazon

Monday 30 December – Man U v Newcastle (8pm) Sky Sports

Saturday 4 January – Tottenham v Newcastle (12.30pm) TNT Sports

Week commencing Monday 6 January – Arsenal v Newcastle TBC

Sunday 12 January – Newcastle v Bromley (3pm) BBC iPlayer (FA Cup)

Wednesday 15 January – Newcastle v Wolves (7.30pm) TNT Sports

Saturday 18 January – Newcastle v Bournemouth (12.30pm) TNT Sports

Saturday 25 January – Southampton v Newcastle (3pm)

Saturday 1 February – Newcastle v Fulham (3pm)

Week commencing Monday 3 February – Newcastle v Arsenal TBC

Saturday 15 February – Man City v Newcastle (3pm)