Jason Tindall issues Alexander Isak response after Newcastle United ‘off day’

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Newcastle United suffered a collective off day on Saturday. 

While disappointing, there are reasons as to why Newcastle United slumped to a heavy defeat at Villa Park.

Villa thrashed Newcastle 4-1 to make a Premier League statement in the race to qualify for next season’s Champions League.

Still, it’s difficult to get too angry about it. While obviously a setback, this reasonably small Newcastle United squad were playing their third game in a week and were heading to a Villa side who have lost only once at home in the League all season.

As such, it’s understandable they look tired. The side remain in a strong position in the Premier League table and will no doubt fancy their chances about getting back on track at home to Ipswich on Saturday.

Crucial to their chances of that will be getting Alexander Isak to his very best. 

• Who is Alexander Isak? The striker who burned his Newcastle United reputation to force £125m Liverpool transfer

Jason Tindall responds to Alexander Isak’s Newcastle off-day

Isak has been in remarkable form this season, so again it would be foolish to be too critical.

Still, Jason Tindall admits the superstar Swede didn’t have his best game at Villa.

Tindall admitted Isak looked frustrated against Crystal Palace before scoring what was his first goal in two games. To describe that as a drought would of course be ridiculous but it was notable he did appear to be snatching at a few chances against the Eagles.

The 25-year-old certainly wasn’t alone in struggling at Villa but the Newcastle United assistant manager was asked about his performance after the game by BBC Radio Tyne and Wear. 

“I wouldn’t say we struggled to get him involved,” he said.

“Alex has been outstanding for us.

“He’s scored 25 goals for us this season because he’s been so consistent.

“He’s been excellent, sometimes as a striker, as a team, you have sometimes maybe off days when you’re not at your best, but you know, you can’t fault his effort or what he’s given the team throughout this season.”

• READ MORE: Simon Jordan hopes he’s wrong about Alexander Isak’s future at Newcastle United

Alexander Isak’s stats for Newcastle vs Aston Villa

Again, talking about Isak’s struggles at the office is not to criticise him.

It is worth looking at how little he was involved, however, which is more of a collective failing than anything else. 

As per WhoScored data, the striker managed just one shot, one dribble, one key pass and had only 22 touches. 

Newcastle need to find a way to get Isak back to his absolute very best soon. Their chances of Champions League qualification could rest on it.