If there’s one player that has truly shifted the play on the pitch for Newcastle United, it has to be forward Alexander Isak.
Isak has been red-hot in recent weeks, and with the Magpies struggling, he rose to the occasion and helped lead the team to a four-game win streak.
He found his spectacular form against Wolves on March 12, where he helped end a three-game losing streak. In that contest, he found the back of the net once but also helped the team offensively by winning eight one-on-ones from the attacking third and on.
Prior to that 2-1 win over Wolves, Newcastle had only won one Premier League contest in 2023.
With new-found momentum and confidence, Isak and the Magpies geared up for an important game against Nottingham Forest.
Even with Newcastle downing them earlier in the season, the concern for the Magpies formed on whether or not the team could build a winning streak with inconsistent form.
Those concerns would be shut down quickly however as Isak came out of the gates with fire under his belt. Nottingham Forest was able to find the opening goal, but Newcastle was able to find one to answer back before halftime, coming from the foot of Isak. In the second half, both teams went back and forth, and it looked like the game would end with one point going to both teams.
However, a foul would occur in the Nottingham Forest box and Isak would be awarded by taking the penalty kick. He would blast the ball into the back of the net, securing the three points and a 2-1 win.
Now with Newcastle on a two-game win streak, the team has hot and heavy heading into their next game against Manchester United. In the Carabao Cup Final, the Magpies had lost to Man United and were looking for revenge.
Without even skipping a beat, Newcastle, to put it simply, destroyed the Red Devils as they allowed very little attacking possession and outshot Man United by 16. While Isak was unable to find a goal, he did keep the pressure on while taking three shots.
Now on a three-game win streak, the Magpie faithful riding behind them and a doable contest against West Ham, the stage was set for another big game from Isak.
And once again, that would be the case.
Against West Ham, Newcastle and Isak looked more comfortable than they have all season long in a 5-1 destruction. Alongside a team effort, Isak pressed West Ham’s goalkeeper and was able to find an easy goal in the second half.
With four goals through four games, expect another showing from the 23-year-old in Newcastle’s next outing.
The 180-degree turnaround from the Magpies in 2023 can most certainly be in due part to the incredible play from Isak.
While being in top form lately, Newcastle United will look to take on Brentford Saturday, April 8, in hopes that Isak can continue to lead the team as the season closes out.
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