A near-perfect day on Eddie Howe’s return - Newcastle 3-0 Ipswich

Another big step in the right direction for Newcastle United as we overcame a now relegated Ipswich side in a 3-0 win at St James’ Park.

The result sees us move back up to third, leapfrogging Man City, Chelsea - who won 1-0 against Everton in the early kick off - and Nottingham Forest, sending us five clear of Aston Villa on level games played.

Eddie Howe was back in the dugout and forced into one charge. Joelinton (knee) missed out and Joe Willock came in, meaning Anthony Gordon remained on a bench that featured a fit-again Sven Botman.

It was such a strange first half, featuring three VAR checks, one red card, two Isak misses, Tonali crashing the crossbar and finally the breakthrough from the spot.

Morsy could’ve been sent off for two tangles with Willock, but a blatant second yellow for Johnson saw Ipswich reduced to 10 and rightly so. Up to that point they’d been putting almost every man behind the ball, with Toon target Delap their only real outlet as he showed his pace and power.

But after Isak missed two good chances from crosses, Bruno had a goal disallowed, Tonali smashed the bar and Ipswich made a few goal line clearances, Murphy was pulled down just before the break. VAR gave us this one and Isak didn’t miss this time, even if his penalty wasn’t particularly convincing!

Suddenly we were attacking the Gallowgate with a man and goal advantage, giving us a huge chance to not just win but boost our goal difference.

Barnes had an early opening after latching onto Tonali’s first time pass, but couldn’t keep his shot down before our second came from some lovely work down the right between Murphy and Trippier. The latter’s cross was so tempting and Burn made no mistake at the back post to force it over the line.

Murphy was next to go close with a lovely hit that flew just wide from range then Howe made some changes, seeing Gordon, Miley, Osula and Wilson replace Murphy, Willock, Barnes and Isak.

One of those grabbed our third and it was big Will Osula, who got up highest to grab his first Premier League goal in emphatic fashion before celebrating with a dance at the Gallowgate! Trippier’s second assist of the afternoon and a brilliant moment for the Dane!

It could’ve been more as Bruno volleyed over and Gordon came close a few times in a lively cameo, but it was a case of job done to send us into next Sunday’s trio to Brighton on a high.

One classy moment in the closing stages saw both sets of fans sing “there’s only one Bobby Robson!”, paying tribute to a legend of Newcastle and Ipswich who would’ve been watching down on a day of mixed emotions for the two clubs today.

A good day all round. Howe back on the touchline, Isak on the scoresheet again, Osula’s first Premier League goal, Botman back from injury, Trippier rolling back the years at right-back and the team back up to third in the league with another home win and clean sheet.

Howay the lads!

Newcastle XI: Pope; Trippier, Schar, Burn, Livramento; Guimaraes, Tonali, Willock; Murphy, Isak, Barnes.

Subs: Dubravka, Ruddy, Gordon, Krafth, Longstaff, Wilson, Miley, Osula, Botman