Alexander Isak came on at half time for Newcastle United in the Carabao Cup final on Sunday, and Eddie Howe was really pleased with the striker’s performance.
Howe made a tactical change at half time against Manchester United, with Isak replacing Sean Longstaff. It was an attacking move and a chance of shape, but it was unable to inspire a comeback as the Red Devils won 2-0.
Newcastle simply lacked cutting edge in the final third at Wembley. We had a lot of the ball, but were unable to create opportunities and test David De Gea. The Man United goalkeeper was rarely called into action.
It just didn’t click in attack for the Magpies, although the introduction of Isak for the second half certainly made us more dangerous.
Now the Newcastle manager has given his thoughts on the 23-year-old’s performance in the Carabao Cup final.
Eddie Howe pleased with Alexander Isak’s Carabao Cup final cameo
After the game, Howe spoke to NUFC TV. He was asked whether he thought Isak’s arrival gave Newcastle more impetus in attack.
“Yeah he did,” Howe said.
“A tactical change from us. We went a different way.
“I thought Alex did really well individually. Looked full of running, looked really quick and dynamic. He gave us a different look and I was pleased with a lot of the second half, probably until we got to the box where we had chances, but probably not the golden chance we wanted.”
Positive performance from Isak
With Newcastle struggling to break Manchester United down in the first half, it was no surprise to see Isak come on after the break.
He played just off Callum Wilson, and added a new dimension to our attack. He was powerful in his running, and asked different questions of the Man United defence.
However, he was unable to produce that killer moment in the final third – like the rest of his Newcastle teammates.
But Isak is still in the infancy of his Toon career, and this is only just the beginning for him in a black and white shirt.
He already looks like a brilliant signing, and is only going to get better in the coming years. In the short term, he will be hoping to force himself into Howe’s starting XI.
Isak certainly boosted his chances with an impressive 45 minute outing in the Carabao Cup final. Sadly, he was unable to inspire a Toon comeback.
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