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Alexander Isak scored twice as Newcastle United defeated Wolves 3-0 at St James’ Park and advanced into the top four.
The striker has now scored in eight consecutive Premier League games, breaking a club record and becoming only the fourth player in the Premier League to do so. Newcastle United have won their last six games to push them into a Champions League spot.
Isaac’s first goal was deflected into the bottom corner through Rayan Ait-Nouri, while his second was also simple as there was space in the Wolves penalty area. The Swede even provided the assist for Newcastle’s third goal, setting up Anthony Gordon’s score.
It reflected Newcastle’s dominance, although Jürgen Strand-Larsen hit the post and Santi Bueno had a goal disallowed. Vito Pereira’s side dropped back into the relegation zone after this defeat, with their Premier League status once again looking in jeopardy.
By comparison, Newcastle United, who have won nine games in a row in all competitions, look like a team on the rise under Eddie Howe. The entire squad is in top form, which helps Howe can rely on the services of some of the best forwards in Europe at the moment.
Isak’s impact on statistics
- Isaac became the fourth player in Premier League history to score in eight consecutive games, joining Ruud van Nistelrooy (twice for Manchester United), Jamie Vardy (twice for Leicester City) and Daniel Sturridge (for Liverpool).
- He also became the seventh Newcastle player to score 25 or more Premier League goals at St James’ Park – of these players, only Andrew Cole (23 games) and Alan Shearer (26) The Swedish striker (34 games) has scored 25 goals in fewer games. ).
Man of the match: Alexander Isaac
Newcastle boss Eddie Howesay TNT Sports:
“The first goal was the key today.
“I think he (Isaak) would probably say he means it and that’s the way it is right now. But he gets the ball on the left and he has that freedom because he’s such a good ball carrier. We encourage that. Let him catch as many balls as possible.
“When you have the technical skills he has, I think it’s huge for us that we don’t ask him to be too central and static. We need him on the ball and we want him on the ball as much as possible in the final third , so he does have the freedom to get the ball.
“He made (the second goal) look easy but it’s definitely not because you might get one of those goals in a game and we needed him to get that one. But he’s got all the top players The calmness and coolness that you have.
Howe added that anything is possible
Asked at a press conference if this sent a message to Newcastle’s top four rivals, Howe said:
“I don’t know if that sends a message, we’re just doing what we need to do. That’s not going to change, we have to try to win games and keep scoring points.”
“We’re still in a busy period and we have a big game coming up so we need to recover well and focus on that.
“Everything is possible but we have to get results and do it consistently. We struggled at the start of the season and were out of form. It was a really good performance that pushed us to a really good place location. We need to keep that in.
“There’s more to come and that’s the challenge we have to put to the players because today wasn’t perfect and the last 20 minutes weren’t great. We need to keep growing, developing and improving because the challenges are only going to change. becomes more difficult.”
Analysis: Tonali is key for Newcastle
Isak’s performance understandably grabbed the headlines, but Sandro Tonali’s efforts in midfield were equally impressive. The Italian returned to the starting line-up in mid-December and Newcastle have won every game since.
“I thought Sandro was outstanding today,” Howe said afterwards. “We always ask our midfielders to do different jobs depending on our opponent. Today he moved deeper without the ball and I thought he did a fantastic job,
“He follows that strictly. He poses a lot of transition problems for us, so I think his individual performance is strong, but I think the midfield is a key area because we have a lot of the ball and they all use the ball really well. “
Pereira explains Lemina’s omission
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Vito Pereira says he has left Mario Lemina out of Newcastle’s squad as the midfielder asks to leave Wolves
Wolves boss Victor Pereira Speaking at the press conference:
“The result doesn’t show what happened in the game. I’m proud of the players – we created a lot of chances. We’ll gain confidence and start scoring.”
“They (Newcastle) could score goals in the second half and we have to be aware of that. Their striker (Isak) is very fast and has good quality.
“We try to do everything well, so I can’t criticize the defenders.”
Pereira also explained why former captain Mario Lemina was not in his squad for the match.
“I can’t put a player on the field who says he’s not mentally fit enough to help the team. I can’t put a player on the field who comes to me and says that. He says he wants to leave.”
“I don’t need that mentality. I’d rather give a chance to a dedicated guy. He came to my office after the press conference yesterday.”
Analysis: Wolves defensively weak
Pereira’s arrival has made Wolves a more compact team, but two consecutive 3-0 defeats in the Premier League have highlighted that the defense still needs to improve if this group of players is to maintain their status in the top flight next season.
Emmanuel Agbadou made his Premier League debut but endured some awkward moments, while Santi Bueno and Matt Doherty also struggled Newcastle were criticized for allowing too much space in their own penalty area for their second and third goals.
Pereira also needs more help from his attackers, who created more than enough chances at St James’ Park and in the home defeat to Nottingham Forest. But the worst defense in the Premier League remains the biggest concern.
