Star forward's poor form: A mighty concern for Newcastle United

Since his signing in August 2022, Sweden international Alexander Isak has had brilliant numbers for Newcastle United. Netting 11 times for the Magpies club in his debut season while amassing 25 goals in the last campaign, Isak's prominence has been significant for the club. In fact, he has been considered a member of the core group around which Howe wants to build the future foundation.

Star forward's poor form: A mighty concern for Newcastle United

However, this season so far, the Swedish star has failed to just replicate his heroics from the previous campaigns and has been much off all while. After going through a rough patch in 2 opening games this season, the forward's winner against Tottenham showed signs of improvement. On top of that, his brilliant stint with Sweden, where he scored 3 goals in 2 games, had given the hope that he was back to his best; however, that hasn't been the case.

Given Isak's stature in European football, it is least expected that even after 5 PL appearances, he would have a single goal, and that is what has manager Howe concerned. In fact, this time, the Englishman looked rather upset with the forward's performance, considering that he was fully fit to play amidst unavailability speculations.

Speaking after the fixture, Eddie Howe remarked about Isak,

"“He’s not as involved as we want him to be; he’s not having the impact in the games we want him to have and what he is capable of doing so, hence the tactical reshuffle at halftime. We tried to get players nearer to him. It’s one for me to think about.”"

- Eddie Howe

Although unlike the Wolves fixture, where he had to be subbed after suffering a facial impact, Isak played the full minutes against Fulham but failed to deliver what was expected from him. Not only the 25-year-old's poor form has impacted Newcastle's overall play, but left Eddie Howe with not many options for the role, with him off and Callum Wilson injured.

Overall, from the many talking points from Newcastle's poor display against Fulham, one of the most prominent ones has been Isak's inefficient season start. Although for a player of such quality, it is certain that he would pick up his form again, but that needs to come quickly to keep Newcastle in the race for a top-4 finish.