Newcastle United began the season in positive fashion on Saturday, albeit with one huge caveat.
Indeed, Newcastle drew 0-0 with Aston Villa to begin their Premier League campaign. Eddie Howe’s side impressed after a difficult summer and really should have won the game.
Both Anthony Elanga and Anthony Gordon should have scored in the first half, while Newcastle failed to press home their numerical advantage after Ezri Konsa was sent off.
It was a solid performance against a good team but Newcastle’s lack of a striker was an issue – as many onlookers would have suggested before the game.
Alexander Isak, of course, is one of the best forwards in the world but is not available despite being fully fit.
Newcastle missed the Sweden star at Villa Park. He would surely have taken one of those chances, after all.
Now, he’s set for disciplinary action.
- Who is Alexander Isak? The striker who burned his Newcastle United reputation to force £125m Liverpool transfer

Newcastle United set to fine Alexander Isak a club record amount
Craig Hope of The Daily Mail has previously stated that Isak would start to be fined by the club when he missed competitive games.
That has now happened. Isak didn’t play for Newcastle against Villa and his absence was notable.
Newcastle fans aimed angry chants towards Isak after the game and Hope then provided an update on social media platform X.
He revealed that Isak is set for a “club-record” fine after missing the first game of the season.
Alexander Isak saga hits all-time low at Newcastle United
Isak could still stay at Newcastle but it’s increasingly difficult to see a way back for him in the eyes of supporters.
They’re now in open revolt against him and for very good reason indeed.
To potentially cost his teammates in competitive action is ridiculous. Wanting to leave is fine but to go about it like this is appalling.
Whether PIF listen to the fan chants and relent in their stance that Isak isn’t for sale remains to be seen. But this cannot go on for much longer.
Receive a digest of our best Newcastle content each week direct to your mailbox
