Swedish media deliver honest verdict on Alexander Isak after VAR controversy and penalty miss

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Newcastle United’s Alexander Isak endured a very strange night for Sweden.

The 25-year-old was part of a 6-0 win, as Sweden hammered Azerbaijan in Stockholm to finish top of their Nations League group and secure promotion to league B.

Alexander Isak played the full 90 minutes, but was incredibly not involved in any of the six goals that Sweden scored. Instead, Viktor Gyokeres continued his stunning form by netting four goals, while Tottenham Hotspur’s Dejan Kulusevski helped himself to a brace.

However, it was not for the lack of trying when it comes to Newcastle’s most expensive signing ever.

Alexander Isak’s terrible night for Sweden

Given the fact that Sweden scored six goals, you would expect the Newcastle United striker to have claimed at least one of them.

However, it was a night in which everything seemed to go against Isak.

On the stroke of half-time, Isak did have the ball in the net. He drove from out wide on the left before producing a beautiful finish, as Isak continued to justify the Thierry Henry comparisons.

Alas, the goal was ruled out for offside by VAR, despite the forward clearly being onside. Newcastle fans were shocked to see Isak’s goal ruled out, and his misfortune did not end there.

Early in the second half, Isak had another chance to score for his country. Sweden were awarded a penalty, but Isak’s effort from 12 yards was saved by Rza Cafarov.

Swedish media react to Alexander Isak’s performance

This was Isak’s 50th cap for Sweden, but it ended up being a night to forget. However, the Swedish media were still relatively complimentary about his performance.

Sweden’s number nine was given a rating of ‘good’ by Swedish outlet Fotbollskanalen, with only Gyokeres and Kulusevski getting higher ratings. The former was graded ‘world class’, while the latter was ‘very good’.

On Isak, Fotbollskanalen wrote: “Should have got the 4-0 goal which was nice, but was wrongly ruled out for offside. Missed a penalty. No goals but was still good and important. Weak third.”

Isak not joined by Newcastle United teammate

Isak would normally be joined in the Sweden team by his Newcastle United teammate Emil Krafth, but not on this occasion.

Krafth is injured, with the defender recently breaking his collar bone in training. It has been reported that Krafth will miss at least six Newcastle games, which is a serious blow.

The 30-year-old’s absence leaves the Magpies very short at the back, with Dan Burn also set to miss Monday night’s Premier League clash with West Ham United.

That means Lloyd Kelly will start for Newcastle against West Ham, while young Irish defender Alex Murphy will be the only covering centre-back.