Newcastle United striker Alexander Isak is building up some momentum on international duty with Sweden.
Heading into the break, the 24-year-old scored his first Newcastle United goal of the season. It had been a slow start to the campaign for Alexander Isak, but he scored the winner in Newcastle’s unconvincing 2-1 win over Tottenham Hotspur.
It was a proper striker’s goal for Isak, who was given a tap-in by Jacob Murphy after an incisive counterattack. While it was just a ‘tap-in’, it showcased Isak’s speed and composure, and the hope is that he will now kick on to enjoy another special campaign. He netted 25 goals last season, which was a career best.
Alexander Isak representing Sweden
Immediately after his winning goal against Spurs, Isak reported for international duty. He is one of 12 Newcastle players currently on international duty.
He is in the Sweden squad for Nations League games against Azerbaijan and Estonia. However, he is not joined by Newcastle United teammate Emil Krafth, who withdrew from the squad due to a minor injury.
But Isak is the main man in attack for Sweden, and was a pivotal figure in their 3-1 win over Azerbaijan on Thursday night.
Newcastle’s most expensive signing ever joined Viktor Gyokeres in attack, and scored a second half brace.
Both finishes were excellent. The first came from a smart pull back, as Isak comfortably directed the ball into the corner with his left foot. The second was a lovely dink, having been played through by Gyokeres.
Isak was then denied the chance to get his hat-trick, having won a penalty in the 80th minute after being fouled by the goalkeeper.
With two goals to his name, you would have assumed that Isak would take the spot kick, but it was instead converted by Gyokeres.
Swedish media hail Isak after scoring twice
Despite not grabbing a hat-trick, Isak was praised by the Swedish media for his performance.
Swedish website Fotbollskanalen gave the forward a ‘very good’ rating, which is the second highest they offer. He was given that grade alongside Gyokeres and goalkeeper Viktor Johansson, who saved a first half penalty.
On Isak, they wrote: “Involved in the offensive and after being close several times, he finally made it 1-0. He was close with a header after a corner and close with a heavy shot outside the penalty area. When things heated up, it was often Isak who was there. Good run and cool finish to 1-0. Then good combination with Gyökeres and chipped coolly to 2-0.”
Newcastle need this to be the start of a good run for Isak
During Newcastle’s first few games of the season, Isak was quiet. He did not look like opening his account, with Eddie Howe’s side struggling to involve the super Swede.
But that will hopefully change now, as the confidence pulses through his veins. That goal against Tottenham was big, and this brace could be even more important.
Hopefully Isak can perform well again on Sunday when Sweden face Estonia, with Newcastle desperately needing their main man to deliver.
Another big season is expected from Isak, and this should prove to be a decisive moment in his 2024/25 campaign. Before a ball was kicked, Krafth tipped Isak to score at least 25 goals for Newcastle this season, and now he only needs 24 more to reach that target.
He will hope to continue his goalscoring form against Estonia on Sunday, and then one week later away to Wolverhampton Wanderers.
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