It feels harsh to be critical of any Newcastle United player right now.
Having already made history this season by winning the Carabao Cup, Newcastle United look set to add to that by qualifying for the Champions League after Eddie Howe’s side beat Chelsea on Sunday.
It means Newcastle sit third in the Premier League heading into the final two games of the season. Their performance wasn’t perfect against the Blues but, frankly, getting over the line is simply all that matters at this stage of the campaign.
One very slight concern is Alexander Isak, however. The striker has scored 27 times this season and Newcastle wouldn’t be in this position without him but even his biggest supporter would surely admit the Sweden international hasn’t been at his absolute best of late.
He did of course score the crucial penalty at Brighton so it would be foolish to go overboard. However, the 25-year-old hasn’t scored from open play since the win over Crystal Palace last month and does appear to be snatching at chances.
Les Ferdinand, however, isn’t too worried.
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Les Ferdinand delivers Alexander Isak verdict
Speaking to Premier League Productions, Ferdinand suggested that Isak had been so good all season that a slight dip in form would be forgiven.
It’s hard to argue with that. Isak should be afforded some slack, having had to play most of the season due to a lack of a compelling option behind him in the pecking order.
Again, it’s not to criticise the forward to any great measure but his current form is worth noting upon.
“There’s been a lot of talk about what happens to him, more than any other player, at the end of the season if Newcastle don’t make the Champions League,” said Ferdinand.
“And he’s allowed to lose a little bit of form, so let’s see where he comes back to.”
Alexander Isak’s stats for Newcastle United against Chelsea
It was a tough day at the office for Isak.
Per SofaScore data, he found the target with only two of his four shots, while winning just one of his six ground duels and losing the ball on eight occasions.
Ferdinand is right. Isak should be treated slightly differently. After all he’s done both this season and last, a dip in form is understandable.
| Shots | Shots on target | Key passes | Ground duels (won) | Aerial duels (won) | Possession lost |
| 4 | 2 | 0 | 6(1) | 1(0) | 8 |
However, it’d be great to see him click back into gear at Arsenal on Sunday. Arsenal want to sign Isak but he boasts a fine record against them, scoring two goals in five games against them thus far.
Hopefully, he strikes against the Gunners once again.
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