Ipswich relegated after 3-1 defeat at Newcastle

By Olaolu Joseph

Alexander Isak, Dan Burn, and Will Osula all scored as Newcastle United defeated Ipswich Town 3-1 on Saturday, confirming the Tractor Boys’ relegation to the Championship.

Ipswich needed a win at St. James’ Park and were hoping West Ham would lose to Brighton to delay their inevitable drop from the Premier League.

However, their hopes were dashed at Newcastle after they were soundly beaten by the Magpies, while West Ham’s 2-3 loss to Brighton had no impact on Ipswich’s fate.

Fighting to keep their survival hopes alive, Kieran McKenna’s side held their own until first-half stoppage time when Isak converted from the penalty spot.

Things worsened for Ipswich in the second half as Dan Burn doubled Newcastle’s lead in the 56th minute.

There was a brief lifeline for Ipswich when Johnson scored in the 67th minute to reduce the deficit, but Osula sealed the win for Newcastle with an 80th-minute strike.

The defeat confirmed Ipswich’s demotion just a season after their return to the top flight, while the victory boosted Newcastle’s chances of securing a Champions League place, with four games left in the season.

The Magpies, however, face a tricky finish with tough fixtures against Brighton, Chelsea, Arsenal, and Everton all coming up in May.