Alexander Isak was recalled to Newcastle United’s starting lineup on Sunday afternoon to face Wolves at St James’ Park.
Eddie Howe made five changes to the team that faced Manchester City last weekend, notably changing the entire front three. Recalling Allan Saint-Maximin and Alexander Isak while handing a rare start to Jacob Murphy. Elsewhere Joe Willock replaced the suspended Joelinton and Fabian Schar regained his place after recovering from his concussion.
It was Saint-Maximin and Isak who had the biggest impact on the game. The duo seem to have struck up an almost telepathic relationship as ASM always seems to know when and where Isak is about to make his move. While their linkup play didn’t bear any fruit in terms of goals, it was a constant threat.
Isak was phenomenal against Wolves
Isak’s return to the Newcastle side did result in him getting his name on the scoresheet though, rising like a salmon to head home Kieran Trippier‘s superbly placed free kick.
His goal and all-round effort earned him Sky Sports‘ Player of the Match award which was handed to him by captain, and provider, Trippier who spoke of the Swede’s performance saying: “Alex returned to the side today and played unbelievable.”
I am inclined to agree with Sky Sports awarding Isak the Player of the Match. I thought he was sensational today. The runs he was making, his first touch and his desire to win the ball back in order to set Newcastle on their way up the pitch. It’s hard to think of a single thing he did wrong all game.
Isak has given Howe a nice headache
The £63million man has given Eddie Howe a nice problem now. Does he stick with goal scorer Isak when we face Nottingham Forest on Friday, or does he recall Callum Wilson to maximise his opportunities to end his goal drought?
For me it has to be Isak. Howe has recently said he doesn’t believe Isak is ready for a full 90 minutes yet, so Wilson will get his chance from the bench again. I just feel that Isak gives us that little bit more going forward than Wilson does right now.