It changed the game – Ipswich Town boss after three goal Newcastle United victory | OneFootball

Kieran McKenna watched on at St James’ Park as Ipswich Town almost made it to half-time on level terms.

A spirited first half from the visitors, assisted by a referee who allowed Ipswich to waste time from the very start.

Palmer in the Ipswich Town goal in particular, allowed to take an eternity every time he had control of the ball, that stop-start nature of the first half helped to disrupt Newcastle United who were looking to get the visitors on the back foot.

Resolute defending had kept Newcastle out, then the 37th minute changed everything, according to Kieran McKenna.

Ben Johnson had already been booked for diving and then was daft enough to clearly pull back Alexander Isak, after the Newcastle striker with a superb bit of skill to get past him.

I think Kieran McKenna only has his own player to blame for that level of stupidity.

VAR saved the useless on-pitch referee who failed to give the clear penalty on the stroke of half-time when Murphy was pulled back, Isak doing the rest.

Osula and Burn with the second half goals, finishing off quality Trippier crosses.

Having seen the replays now, I think Ipswich Town had incredible luck when it came to decisions by the officials.

It was unbelievable to see the first half goal ruled out when the goalkeeper ran into Bruno. Whilst it very much looked like a penalty for handball when Barnes’ pass struck the defender’s outstretched arm.

Kieran McKenna reflecting on Newcastle 3 Ipswich 0:

“With 11 v 11 I think we can take pride, in terms of how we managed a really difficult game.

“With 11 v 10 the challenge was just too big.

“We have come here in a really difficult situation in terms of league positions and also in terms of availability.

“Getting a fit squad and team of players out in the right position has been a challenge this week.

“Newcastle were in fantastic form at home, had great momentum and had blown their last couple of opponents [Man U and Palace] away here.

“So we knew we had to manage the game well, take some of that momentum away in the early stages and I thought we did a pretty good job of that and carried a bit of a threat going the other way as well.”

Newcastle went on to break the deadlock in first half injury time when VAR intervened to award a soft penalty for Julio Enciso’s tug at the Jacob Murphy’s arm down the side of the box.”

Kieran McKenna on the red card:

“We managed the game well.

“It had been a very difficult week in terms of availability and getting a team out there.

“We managed the game really well, we were solid, we were frustrating the opponent.

“The game was right where we wanted it to be.

“We were frustrated with the first yellow card [after Ben Johnson dived] and then it changed the game…11 v 10 with the crowd they have here is almost an impossible task.

“Ben Johnson is running at the last man, Dan Burn sticks his leg and knee out and there is probably minimal contact, but there is contact there.

“If you are running at that speed, you don’t have to get smacked by it and you can go over on the contact.

“I don’t think Ben has taken a dive in his life.”

Kieran McKenna on the penalty award to Newcastle United:

“It looks like there’s a touch, so it can be given.”

Kieran McKenna on Saturday confirming Ipswich relegated to the Championship:

“We have been through it the last few weeks.

“We knew it was pretty likely and we had conversations to focus on each game as they come.

“We know there is a time for reflection so the mathematical completion doesn’t change too much.

“We have been through the emotions.”

“They fans have been fantastic, they have been on the journey with us.

“It has been an incredible journey, from the middle of League One to competing in the Premier League in an unprecedented way.

“They have seen the group has given everything and competed in so many games.

“At the end, we have fallen short but it’s not for lack of effort. They have been fantastic and we really appreciate the support.”

Newcastle 3 Ipswich 0 – Saturday 26 April 2025 3pm

Goals:

Newcastle United:

Isak 45+4, Burn 56, Osula 80

Ipswich

Johnson red card 37

Possession was Newcastle 78% Ipswich 22%

Total shots were Newcastle 25 Ipswich 4

Shots on target were Newcastle 5 Ipswich 0

Corners were Newcastle 11 Ipswich 2

Touches in the box Newcastle 66 Ipswich 6

Newcastle team v Ipswich:

Pope, Trippier, Schar (Botman 83), Burn, Livramento, Willock (Miley 67), Tonali, Bruno, Barnes (Wilson 77), Isak (Osula 77), Murphy (Gordon 67)

Unused subs:

Dubravka, Ruddy, Krafth, Longstaff