113 accurate passes, 5 duels won: 10/10 Newcastle star is now as undroppable as Isak

The echoes of Newcastle’s humbling at Villa Park faded quickly as Eddie Howe’s men delivered a commanding response at St James’ Park, dismantling ten-man Ipswich Town 3-0 to reignite their Champions League ambitions.

This comprehensive victory not only cemented their third-place standing but finally confirmed Ipswich’s relegation after weeks of lingering uncertainty.

Alexander Isak continued his remarkable scoring form, calmly converting a first-half penalty to take his season tally to 26 goals across all competitions.

While the Swedish striker uncharacteristically spurned two golden opportunities to extend his account, his clinical spot-kick set the tone for a dominant Newcastle display.

The 25-year-old’s importance to Howe’s system remains unquestioned, though substitute William Osula’s maiden Premier League goal served notice that competition for places is heating up at the business end of the season.

Yet the true architect of this victory emerged not from Newcastle’s attacking ranks but from their experienced defensive corps. Kieran Trippier, the 34-year-old right-back whose career appeared to be winding down when he arrived from Atletico Madrid, turned in a masterclass that defied his years.

The England international orchestrated play from wide areas, contributing two assists – first for Dan Burn’s towering header, then for Osula’s historic moment – while maintaining a staggering 93% pass accuracy across 156 touches.

Trippier’s performance encapsulated why Howe considers him indispensable. His telepathic connection with Burn – reprising their EFL Cup final heroics against Liverpool – demonstrated the value of continuity in defensive partnerships.

The veteran’s ability to dictate tempo while providing pinpoint deliveries makes him the creative fulcrum Newcastle rely upon when breaking down stubborn defenses. Football journalist Lee Ryder’s perfect 10/10 match rating scarcely did justice to a display that blended technical precision with relentless energy.

Newcastle’s recent form paints an encouraging picture for their European aspirations. Eight wins from their last nine matches across all competitions (excluding the Villa aberration) reveal a squad hitting its stride at the perfect moment.

The defensive solidity provided by Burn’s aerial dominance, combined with Trippier’s creative output from deep, has given Howe’s side the platform to unleash their attacking talents.

The victory carried particular significance beyond the three points. Ipswich’s relegation confirmation marked the closing chapter of their Premier League fairytale, while Newcastle’s ascension to third – however precarious with just one point separating them from fifth – reinforces their credentials as genuine top-four contenders.

With Brighton, Chelsea, and Arsenal looming in a season-defining run of fixtures, maintaining this momentum becomes paramount.

Trippier’s renaissance as one of the Premier League’s most influential full-backs raises intriguing questions about Newcastle’s summer plans.

While conventional wisdom suggests a long-term replacement should be prioritized, performances like this make a compelling case for building around the veteran for another campaign. His leadership and set-piece mastery could prove invaluable should Newcastle secure Champions League football.

For Howe, the challenge now lies in replicating this cohesive performance against stronger opposition. Brighton’s Amex Stadium has been a graveyard for top-four hopefuls this season, making next weekend’s trip south a litmus test of Newcastle’s European credentials.

If Trippier can maintain this level of influence and Isak converts the chances created, the Magpies may yet cap their Saudi-era revolution with a return to Europe’s elite competition.

This victory served as both a statement of intent and a reminder of Newcastle’s evolving identity. Gone are the days of relying on individual brilliance; this is a team whose sum exceeds its parts, with veterans like Trippier providing the guile to complement the youthful exuberance of Isak and company.

As the season reaches its crescendo, Newcastle appear determined to write their own fairytale ending.