Isak's Absence Overshadows Newcastle's Season Opener
Geordies can make a lot of noise.
This was evident at Villa Park following Newcastle United's goalless draw on the opening day of the season.
As head coach Eddie Howe and his players made their way back to the tunnel, the away supporters expressed their discontent regarding a notable absentee.
Alexander Isak, who scored the decisive goal in Newcastle's first major domestic trophy victory in 70 years last season, has not played for the Magpies since May. Despite being regarded as one of the world's top strikers and having a chant dedicated to him in the Wear-Tyne derby, Isak is reportedly eager to join Liverpool.
Although Newcastle fans are typically forgiving, his legacy has been significantly damaged. Following the team's draw against 10-man Aston Villa, supporters labeled Isak as "greedy," even creating a new chant that reflects their disappointment: "We don’t care about Isak, he don’t care about me; all we care about is NUFC."
Rebuilding Bridges
Isak faces a daunting task in repairing his relationship with the club. Alan Shearer, Newcastle's all-time leading scorer, expressed his frustration on BBC 5 Live, stating, "You've got a guy who's on £100,000 a week, not playing, while regular fans pay £60-£70 for tickets expecting him to be in the team. That is why it hurts them so much. There is no loyalty in football; clubs and players look after themselves, but there's a right way to handle such situations. The way Alex is doing this is not the right way. He played a significant role in one of Newcastle's best seasons ever, yet with three years left on his contract, he says he doesn't want to play here anymore."
Howe acknowledged the fans' right to voice their opinions but emphasized that the door remains open for Isak's reintegration. He stated, "It's up to Isak to decide what he wants to do," as the striker continues to train separately from the team. Howe hopes for a quick resolution to the situation.
Team Unity Amidst Turmoil
Isak's absence has undoubtedly impacted Newcastle's preparations for the new campaign, given his previous contributions. Last season, the team failed to score from open play or win any of the four league matches he missed. Isak was directly involved in over 40% of Newcastle's league goals, scoring 33.8% of them, while no other player reached double figures in the 2024-25 season.
Despite this, the current squad appears to have grown closer, as evidenced by their performance against Villa. Howe praised the players' commitment, stating, "Everyone that stepped on the pitch today showed that they wanted to be here and play well. There was no sign of psychological weakness in our performance, which is really pleasing. We managed to minimize their chances, demonstrating defensive solidity, which is great. While we acknowledge a gap in our performance, we didn’t capitalize on the one opportunity we needed to score."
Gordon's Efforts Highlighted
The match showcased Newcastle's struggles, with the team registering 16 shots but only three on target. Anthony Elanga missed a significant opportunity early on, while Gordon's attempts included a header that went over the bar and a long-range shot that was saved.
Despite the missed chances, Gordon's efforts were commendable, especially after forcing Ezri Konsa's red card with his pace. It was telling that Gordon collapsed in exhaustion and frustration at full-time, aided by Joelinton. However, the need for a striker is clear, regardless of Isak's situation, leading to continued interest in Brentford's Yoane Wissa.
Striker Market Challenges
Goalscorers are always in demand, and Newcastle has faced fierce competition this summer. The club missed out on several targets, including Benjamin Sesko, Hugo Ekitike, and Joao Pedro, who have signed with Manchester United, Liverpool, and Chelsea, respectively.
Howe expressed his desire for more strikers but acknowledged the difficulties in securing the right player, stating, "The striker market gets tighter every year, perhaps because we have continued to grow as a team. There are not many players available who can improve us, and when they are, their prices soar. Additionally, we must consider profit and sustainability regulations and the long-term implications of any transfer. It’s not simply about acquiring any player; they must fit the team, enhance our performance, and be affordable. That narrows down the options significantly."
As the season unfolds, it remains to be seen whether Newcastle can find the right striker and if Isak can find his way back into the squad.