Murphy bags a brace as Newcastle hit four in Japan

Murphy bags a brace as Newcastle hit four in Japan

Newcastle produced some ruthless counter-attacking football in a 4-1 win over Urawa Red Diamonds in Japan on Wednesday.

Scorers: Nitta 23′; Isak 3′, Murphy 45′, 47′, Hall 58′

The visitors got off to the perfect start with just three minutes on the clock when Alexander Isak bullied himself back into possession after losing the ball and rifled low into the net from range to continue his impressive summer form.

But the hosts deservedly levelled 20 minutes later when a cross from the left was flicked home by Rio Nitta.

Urawa were then awarded a controversial penalty but justice was done when Nick Pope stood strong from the spot to deny the go-ahead goal, with Newcastle players suggesting Tino Livramento’s tackle came outside the area.

Eddie Howe’s men made the most of their reprieve on the stroke of half-time when Jacob Murphy restored their lead when he was teed up by Joe Willock to find the net.

Immediately upon the restart, Murphy picked up where he left off by skipping elegantly past an attempted challenge and curling into the far corner with his left foot.

Shortly before the hour, a deflected strike from Lewis Hall made it four, with the Magpies doing big damage on the break again to wrap things up in style.