Newcastle United showcased a stellar performance against Ipswich Town, with Alexander Isak netting a hat-trick to secure a commanding victory in the Premier League earlier today, December 21.
The Premier League match began with an impressive display of urgency as the visitors scored just 26 seconds in.
After Ipswich’s throw-in, Fabian Schar’s long pass found Jacob Murphy, whose cross deflected off Sam Morsy, allowing Isak to capitalize on the loose ball and find the net.
Initially ruled offside, the goal was confirmed after a thorough review by the video assistant referee.
Murphy continued to excel, adding a second goal with a well-placed shot off the underside of the crossbar, courtesy of a brilliant setup from Anthony Gordon.
Ipswich, still seeking their first home league win this season, faced further challenges when Newcastle intercepted a risky back-pass from goalkeeper Arijanet Muric, allowing Isak to easily score his second before completing his hat-trick nine minutes into the second half with a skilful finish into the bottom corner.
Nottingham Forest also delivered an impressive performance, handing Brentford their first home defeat of the season.
With goals from Ola Aina and Anthony Elanga, coupled with strong defensive strategies, Forest secured their third consecutive victory of the Premier League season.
The win propelled Nuno Espirito Santo’s team to third place in the standings, just ahead of Arsenal, who were set to play Crystal Palace later in the day.
Forest withstood early pressure from Brentford, opening the scoring near the end of the first half. Neco Williams skillfully manoeuvred down the left flank, providing a low cross that Aina expertly finished into the bottom left corner.
Shortly after the break, Elanga seized a defensive mistake by Keane Lewis-Potter, advancing into the penalty area to score with precision past Bees goalkeeper Mark Flekken.
Brentford, despite possessing the best home record in the Premier League before this match, struggled to convert opportunities into goals.
Mikkel Damsgaard and Yoane Wissa missed key chances, while Kristoffer Ajer’s close-range effort was expertly saved by Forest goalkeeper Matz Sels, leaving the hosts frustrated as they dropped to 12th in the table after three losses in a week.
In another exciting Premier League match, Mohammed Kudus continued to impress for West Ham, scoring his third goal of the season as they fought back to draw 1-1 with Brighton at the London Stadium.
Brighton initially took the lead through Mats Wieffer, who capitalized on a loose ball following a high cross from Pervis Estupinan.
West Ham responded seven minutes later when Jarrod Bowen’s shot was parried by Brighton’s goalkeeper Bart Verbruggen, allowing Kudus to head in the rebound.
The match was marked by an emotional tribute from West Ham to Oscar Fairs, a young academy goalkeeper who tragically passed away recently, and the somber atmosphere intensified due to the recent personal losses experienced by manager Julen Lopetegui and player Michail Antonio.
Both teams created chances in the second half, with Brighton coming closest to reclaiming the lead when Yankuba Minteh set up Kaoru Mitoma, who rattled the post with his shot from close range.
