Newcastle thought they had been signing “a prime participant” once they broke their switch file to usher in striker Alexander Isak from Actual Sociedad – and now he’s delivering in what may change into a “particular season” for the membership.
The Swedish striker netted an excellent equaliser on the stroke of half-time earlier than coolly slotting in a stoppage-time winner from the penalty spot to spark scenes of celebration from the travelling followers behind the objective on the Metropolis Floor.
Supervisor Eddie Howe stated it was a “big second” in Newcastle’s season and Isak’s kind may assist ship the last word prize of a top-four end.
Isak ‘ice cool’ in vital second
It was a standout efficiency from Isak, who now has six objectives in 10 Premier League appearances having fought off competitors from team-mate Callum Wilson for a beginning function in current weeks.
Isak, who signed for the Magpies in a deal that could possibly be value £60m, scored within the 2-1 win over Wolves final weekend earlier than netting each objectives in Nottingham and now says their European hopes are “in our personal arms”.
“We’re all the time harmful and create possibilities. It’s only a matter of whether or not it goes in or not,” stated 23-year-old Isak.
“We imagine and we all know that we’ve it in our personal arms and have a very good probability. We now have to maintain on taking it one recreation at a time and attempt to win.”
Toon boss Howe stated Isak was “ice cool” when taking the late penalty and that the boldness gained from his current performances might be “key” going ahead.
“It is an enormous second for us in our season. It is not simple to try this however he put it away rather well. The primary objective was a barely unorthodox end. It is nice to see,” added Howe.
“I assumed he was a continuing handful for Nottingham Forest. His tempo and trickery was evident. He is constructing properly to make a big impact for us.
“We felt we had been signing a prime, prime participant that was able to doing wonderful issues. I assumed he confirmed that [at Forest].
“However I imagine with each participant there’s room to enhance and he has an enormous half to play in our future.”
‘It is there for them’ – can Newcastle seize prime 4?
Newcastle had gone 5 Premier League video games with out a win earlier than choosing up back-to-back victories over Wolves and Forest.
That they had been annoyed in attracts with Crystal Palace, West Ham and Bournemouth, however have they turned a nook having come from behind to win for the primary time within the league this season on Friday?
“Now it seems like Newcastle are in an actual battle for the highest 4,” ex-Liverpool defender Jamie Carragher informed Sky Sports activities.
“What impresses me is their operating energy. Each time I watch Newcastle, it appears like you might be watching a extremely intense staff.
“Isak has his objectives however he is not only a goalscorer. There’s much more to his recreation. The tempo he supplies to run in behind, the coolness in his ending… He does all the pieces you need from a prime striker.”
Former Manchester United defender Gary Neville believes Newcastle may have a “particular season” in the event that they proceed to grind out outcomes.
“It is there for them. Manchester United are nonetheless in two competitions. Newcastle are ready the place they’ll have a transparent run and an actual go at it,” stated Neville.
“That is the time to hit kind. Eddie Howe wont be getting carried away however he might be much more assured. Isak seems like he has rhythm and he’s on a roll.”
‘Plenty of whingebags of their staff’
Nottingham Forest supervisor Steve Cooper was left deflated as defeat sees them stay simply two factors above the relegation zone heading into the worldwide break.
“The overriding feeling in the intervening time is disappointment due to the end result and the way we have not coated ourselves in glory within the build-up to the objectives. I am aggravated with ourselves,” he added.
“It is the worst option to lose, giving freely a penalty within the dying moments and it being the decisive objective. However win, lose or draw we had been nonetheless going to be amongst a bunch of groups preventing it out.
“That hasn’t modified however we might have preferred a degree or three factors – nevertheless it wasn’t to be.”
Midfielder Jonjo Shelvey confronted his former membership Newcastle for the primary time and felt Forest “deserved one thing from the sport” regardless of exhibiting “naivety” in conceding the objectives.
Nonetheless, there was no friendliness on the pitch between Shelvey and his former team-mates.
“I did not assume they [Newcastle] would complain as a lot as they did on the pitch. However it’s a recreation of soccer,” he informed Sky Sports activities.
“I symbolize this soccer membership now. I’ll give it my all. However yeah, a whole lot of whingebags of their staff. I’ll inform them that – solely in a jokey manner.
“I hope they get into Europe and I’ve simply optimistic phrases in regards to the membership.”
