Perhaps no one personifies Newcastle United’s peculiar start to the new season more than Swedish hotshot Alexander Isak.
The Magpies go into Sunday’s Premier League clash with Tottenham Hotspur unbeaten after three games and into the third round of the Carabao Cup. And yet questions have already been raised about what this squad can achieve this season.
There have been plenty of positives – the way they responded to going down to 10 men against Southampton, some moments of quality to earn what could be a valuable point at Bournemouth, and that start against Forest in midweek.
However, it doesn’t really feel as though Eddie Howe’s side have found their rhythm just yet. Of course, getting results when not in top form can only be a good thing, but United will be tested against Spurs.
Parallels can be drawn with goal hero Isak. The No 14 has shown glimpses of his true class, but is yet to get off the mark and, in truth, hasn’t really looked like scoring. It was his effort that was saved to allow Joe Willock to score at the City Ground . . . but he will feel he should have netted himself from that position.
Three games is hardly enough for any concern, of course, and Isak will be relishing the big showdown with Tottenham. In fact, Spurs have every reason to fear the Sweden international as they prepare to what should be a fascinating encounter.
Isak has faced Spurs twice on home turf in United colours – and already has four goals in just 156 minutes of action. That’s roughly a goal every half against Tottenham at St James’.
Alexander Isak of Newcastle United scores his team’s first goal against Spurs
Alexander Isak of Newcastle United scores his team’s first goal against Spurs last season
He was on target twice in the 6-1 win in April 2023 and then hit another brace as United ran out 4-0 winners last season as Newcastle sent Spurs packing again. In fact, Isak has only scored more goals against one other side. In three games against West Ham, he has netted five times.
There’s no doubting Isak’s class and as Howe’s side begin to hit their straps, he is sure to be back among the goals. If history is anything to go by then he could soon be off the mark and heading into the international break with a welcome morale boost.
In fact, Spurs have every reason to fear the Sweden international as they prepare to what should be a fascinating encounter. Isak has faced Spurs twice on home turf in United colours – and already has four goals in just 156 minutes of action. That’s roughly a goal every half against Tottenham at St James’.
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