Isak’s hat-trick helps Newcastle inflict more misery on poor Ipswich

Newcastle moved up to seventh in the Premier League and raised Ipswich’s relegation fears with a 4-0 win at Portman Road.

Alexander Isak continued his impressive form with a hat-trick with Jacob Murphy also getting on the scoresheet.

In the end it was convincing, although the opening goal after just 26 seconds was controversial. Isak’s shot was initially ruled out for offside against Murphy in the build-up, but VAR ruled the winger was offside despite replays that were inconclusive.

Murphy made it 2-0 after 32 minutes and Isak effectively wrapped up the game as a first-half stoppage time contest after the home side’s lackluster play.

The Swedish international scored the treble nine minutes into the second period.

Those are consecutive 4-0 victories @NUFC in the Premier League, in a victory in which Alexander Isak scored his first hat-trick for the club 🌟#IPSNEW pic.twitter.com/fPUH1kXXfN

— Premier League (@premierleague) December 21, 2024

Forest bee sting

Brentford saw their unbeaten run at home come to an end with Nottingham Forest winning 2-0 at the Gtech Community Stadium.

Ola Aina gave the visitors the lead after crossing Neco Williams down the left wing and Anthony Elanga doubled the lead early in the second period after robbing Keane Lewis-Potter to finish well.

The win moves Forest up to third, although Arsenal can reclaim that spot with a draw at Crystal Palace in the teatime tie.

Kudus wins a point for the Hammers

West Ham and Brighton drew 1-1 at the London Stadium, with Mohammed Kudus canceling out Mats Wieffer’s first goal.

Wieffer put the Seagulls ahead after 51 minutes, heading home from the edge of the box after the Hammers failed to clear a corner.

But Kudus equalized seven minutes later, nodding over the line after Bart Verbruggen parried Jarrod Bowen’s shot.

The lunch game saw Aston Villa inflict more misery on Pep Guardiola and Manchester City with a 2-1 win.

Jhon Duran and Morgan Rogers scored for the hosts and Phil Foden hit back with a late consolation.