Newcastle moved up to seventh in the Premier League, and added to Ipswich's relegation fears, with a 4-0 win at Portman Road.
Alexander Isak continued his impressive form by scoring a hat-trick with Jacob Murphy also on the scoresheet.
It was convincing in the end, although the opening goal after only 26 seconds was controversial. Isak's goal was initially disallowed for Murphy being offside during the build-up, but the VAR ruled the winger was offside despite the replay being inconclusive.
Murphy made it 2-0 after 32 minutes and Isak effectively ended the game as a contest in first-half stoppage time after some farcical play at the back from the home side.
The Swedish international completed his hat-trick nine minutes after the start of the second half.
It's back-to-back wins 4-0 for @NUFC In the English Premier League, in a win that saw Alexander Isak score his first hat-trick for the club 🌟#IPSNEW pic.twitter.com/fPUH1kXXfN
— English Premier League (@premierleague) December 21, 2024
The forest stings the bees
Brentford saw their unbeaten home record end with a 2-0 win for Nottingham Forest at the GTech Community Stadium.
Ola Aina put the visitors ahead after turning in Neco Williams' cross from the left wing and Anthony Elanga doubled their lead early in the second half after robbing Keane Lewis-Potter and finished well.
The win moves Forest up to third, although Arsenal could regain that position with a draw with Crystal Palace in the tea-time tie.
Kudus earns a point for the Hammers
West Ham and Brighton drew 1-1 at the London Stadium, with Mohamed Quddus canceling out Mats Wever's first goal.
Wieffer put the Seagulls ahead in the 51st minute, driving the ball home from the edge of the penalty area after the Hammers failed to clear a corner kick.
But Kudus equalized seven minutes later, heading over the goal line after Bart Verbruggen's shot was blocked by Jarrod Bowen.
Saw a lunchtime game Aston Villa heap more misery on Pep Guardiola and Manchester City with a 2-1 win.
John Doran and Morgan Rogers scored for the hosts, while Phil Foden restarted the game with a late goal.
