Alexander Isak is quickly becoming a Newcastle United hero.
The £60m striker has stepped up to score three goals in his last two games, helping win six points for Eddie Howe’s side before the international break.
Two goals away at Nottingham Forest on Friday night won the game for Howe’s side. As has often been the case in recent weeks, the Magpies squandered a number of big chances but, luckily, Isak turned in a match-winning performance.
The first goal had Jamie Carragher purring, while his second had the Sky pundit pointing out a “really clever” ploy which involved Kieran Trippier first taking command of the ball before the Swede’s late penalty.
Presumably, it was meant to throw Forest goalkeeper Keylor Navas off. Isak later stepped up and struck a calm spot-kick past the Costa Rican before shushing the ex-Real Madrid custodian while in celebration.
What Navas told Isak before his penalty
Still, while Isak scored, it seemed Navas knew what was coming.
Indeed, Isak told Sky Sports after the game: “Sometimes you might fool the opposition but the goalie kind of knew I was going to take it. He came straight to me and tried to get in my head.”
£60m bargain if Newcastle qualify for the Champions League
Newcastle paid a club-record fee for Isak which may have been deemed expensive.
However, if his goals send the Magpies into the top four, then it matters little. Six goals in just seven Premier League starts is a fantastic return and the idea of him being fully fit for the rest of the season is a hugely exciting one.