Newcastle fans who had made the long journey from the north-east to Suffolk received an instant reward, with Isak needing just 26 seconds to score his first goal, steering in a loose ball after Jacob Murphy’s cross from the right had not been cleared.
Murphy added a second before Issac gifted his own second and Newcastle’s third just before half-time. Ipswich goalkeeper Arizanette Muric attempted a pass to Jens Cajust, who lost possession to Bruno Guimaraes and Isak had the easy task of scoring.
He didn’t have to wait long for his hat-trick moment, producing a predatory finish at the near post after another Murphy assist.
“Alex is a world-class talent,” added Howe. “The way he takes his goals, there’s very little of that coolness and composure. When you mix in his technical skills, I think he’s got it all.
“He has unique skills, and the challenge is to bring him into the game as much as possible. We weren’t doing that last season, but now the team is performing much better.
“He’s a player with real confidence and we’re seeing him return to his true best – highlighted by the goals he’s scored.”
