Alexander Isak added to his goal tally during Newcastle United’s FA Cup defeat to Brighton on Sunday afternoon.
Newcastle United took the lead at St James’ Park when Alexander Isak calmly converted from the penalty spot after 22 minutes to take his goal tally to 22 across all competitions.
The penalty was conceded by former Newcastle star Yankuba Minteh, but he overcame his early setback to equalise from Brighton just before half-time.
Everything from then onwards pretty much went downhill for Newcastle. Anthony Gordon was sent off in the second half before Isak came off with an injury.
Gordon will certainly miss the Carabao Cup final as he serves his three-match suspension, but Howe will hope that his Swedish star is fit and available for the trip to Wembley.
Alexander Isak compared to Cristiano Ronaldo
Newcastle struggled without Isak against Liverpool midweek, but Howe insisted he was fully fit for Brighton’s visit.
Newcastle’s chances of ending their 70-year trophy drought are certainly much better if Isak is available, with one pundit suggesting he has an air of Cristiano Ronaldo about him in this Newcastle side.
After scoring Newcastle’s opener against Brighton, John Murray made the comparison to Ronaldo via BBC Sport.
He said: “Alexander Isak is a changed man this season.
“Everything about him, in terms of how he carries himself. He looks a different level with his confidence and body language.
“When he was stood there, it was almost Cristiano Ronaldo-like”.
How Alexander Isak fared for Newcastle vs Brighton
Isak’s return to the starting lineup lasted 86 minutes before he was brought off and replaced by Callum Wilson.
There was a noticeable drop in quality up front when Isak left the pitch, and a collection of his match stats shows just how much of an impact he made:
| Minutes played | 86 |
| Goals | 1 |
| Disallowed goal | 1 |
| Touches | 25 |
| Passes completed | 75% (9/12) |
| Shots taken | 4 (2 on target) |
| Dribbles completed | 33% (1/3) |
READ MORE: How Eddie Howe reacted immediately after Anthony Gordon’s red card during Newcastle vs Brighton
Isak was denied a second goal in the first half when he was ruled offside shortly after a wonderful strike that found the back of Brighton’s net.
But so much of Isak’s work is done off the ball and in build-up play.
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