‘That was strange’…Gary Neville surprised at what Newcastle star did vs Tottenham

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A bad week got an awful lot worse for Newcastle United on Sunday.

Fresh after their disappointing loss to Everton, Eddie Howe’s side continued in their rotten run of away form.

Tottenham put Newcastle to the sword, running out 4-1 winners on a day where the visitors never got going.

Fatigue is certainly something to consider but blaming it solely on that would be papering over the cracks. For the second game in a row, too many players made too many mistakes and there was such little urgency on the ball.

Still, there was a moment early in the game that could well have changed things.

Alexander Isak: Gary Neville says Newcastle star did something strange vs Tottenham

Indeed, Sky Sports commentator Gary Neville believes Alexander Isak could have scored before Spurs took their lead.

The striker was beaten to Anthony Gordon’s cross by a superb touch from Spurs defender Ben Davies, although Neville thinks the 24-year-old should have got there.

“That was strange from Isak. Davies gets a good touch but l thought Isak could have shown more determination, maybe to get across the defender,” he said at 16.40 GMT.

Alexander Isak: How did Newcastle star play vs Tottenham?

Isak was barely involved.

After tearing Tottenham apart during the 6-1 win over them at St James’ Park earlier this year, the Sweden international was fairly anonymous on Sunday.

According to WhoScored data, he mustered only 21 touches during his 63-minute spell on the pitch and didn’t find the target with his one shot attempted.

Though the number of games he’s had to play of late perhaps explains why Isak was not at his best, he will need to improve.

Callum Wilson made his return from an injury lay-off and is presumably an option to start against Milan on Wednesday, should Howe wish to rotate.