Alexander Isak agrees with Eddie Howe over problem plaguing Newcastle United this season
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Alexander Isak
Alexander Isak is in agreement with Newcastle United boss Eddie Howe that the Magpies can drastically improve – despite going four unbeaten at the start of the 2024/25 campaign. The Swede fired his first goal of the campaign in Sunday’s 2-1 win over Tottenham Hotspur, tapping home from close range after an unselfish assist from Jacob Murphy- but it was not a vintage display from the north east outfit, who were outperformed in every single metric apart from the only one that matters – the scoreline. Newcastle were second best in possession, chances created, pass completion, duels won and much more, prompting Howe to admit: “I don’t think we’re playing as we would like, I think that’s obvious.”
Speaking after linking up with his Sweden co-stars on international break, Isak echoed the thoughts of the Newcastle boss, telling ViaPlay:
Alexander Isak said “I think our performance is a bit short of the level we want to be at. I think we defend our goal very well. We almost refused to lose. With the ball, we are quite far from our level. But it is a statement of strength to win this match when everything is not so pretty.”
Isak too has failed to start the season in blistering fashion judged against his lofty standards. The former Real Sociedad man has struggled in front of goal so far this term and has not looked convincing when picking the ball up from deep. Against Spurs, Isak enjoyed a 75 per cent pass success rate but only won three of 14 duels throughout the hard-fought win. The 24-year-old made zero ‘key’ passes and succeeded with only one of three attempted dribbles, losing possession 10 times in total. Isak continued by expressing a desire to do better with the ball at his feet going forward.
Alexander Isak said “The team and I also want to do a little better with the ball and performance in general. But we win and I score my first goal, so it’s clear that I leave with a good feeling,”
The Newcastle forward and his Sweden team-mates will take on Azerbaijan and Estonia in the Nations League in the coming days but Magpies defender Emil Krafth was a late withdrawal from the squad after picking up a minor knock in Sunday’s St James’ Park win.
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