Add as preferred source on Google

Newcastle United largely have one man to thank for Sunday’s draw with West Ham.

After such a poor start saw Newcastle fall behind to Tomas Soucek’s opener, Alexander Isak scored twice in the second-half to put Eddie Howe’s side into the lead.

Both were close range finishes but required an ice-cold presence in front of goal, something the Sweden international seriously embodies.

With Newcastle otherwise pretty shy in front of goal on the day, Isak ensured they at least left the capital with a point, albeit he could have easily scored a hat-trick if only he hadn’t hit the post – albeit from a tight angle – after rounding Alphonse Areola.

Indeed, Sky Sports pundit and former Toon midfielder Darren Ambrose was full of praise for the 24-year-old for his outing against the Hammers.

Darren Ambrose says Alexander Isak was “sensational” against West Ham

Watching on from the Sky Sports studio, Ambrose was effusive in his praise of the Newcastle forward.

“He has been sensational today,” he said at 15.35 on 08/10/2023.

Isak has won the battle with Callum Wilson

Howe obviously has two very good options up front in Isak and Callum Wilson but it is the Swede who has won out.

Isak has been handed starts in all the big games this season, even when Wilson has been fit. It seems clear now that, fitness permitting, he will be the one to lead the line in the biggest games on the calendar.

That is harsh on Wilson, who hasn’t really let Newcastle down since joining from Bournemouth. Still, this is the nature of building a squad at the top level. There is a ruthlessness about competition for places and Isak deserves his status as the club’s No.1 striker.

If he can stay free of injuries, there’s no telling how many goals he could scored this season.