The season feels alive again for Newcastle United.
While the mood was low following Wednesday’s rather dismal defeat to Crystal Palace, Newcastle’s big win over Sheffield United on Saturday has renewed hope of a top-six finish.
Eddie Howe’s side are just a point off a wildly inconsistent Manchester United team in pursuit of Europa League qualification and still have to go to Old Trafford next month.
Having already beaten the Red Devils twice this season, confidence should be high.
Clearly, Newcastle weren’t at their best for much of the opening period against the Blades but performances aren’t really the most important thing at this stage of the campaign.
Indeed, it’s about getting results and Howe has the kind of players who can make a difference.
In-form star Alexander Isak bagged a brace to help relegate the Blades, taking his tally for the season up to 23 goals in 36 appearances across all competitions.
As you can imagine, club legend Alan Shearer was delighted.
Alan Shearer says one Newcastle United star is ‘really really top notch right now’
Speaking on Match of the Day, Shearer was effusive in his praise of the super Sweden international.
“His whole game is really really top-notch” he said.
“His runs are superb. He is just a constant threat all the time. His finishing, as I said, is excellent, his penalty-taking is as good as they come, he is confident, he is cool, he believes in everything that he is doing, and we know that once he gets away over the top, then he is going to cause an absolute nightmare.
“His ability to link up and understanding, and as I said, everything about his game is of the highest quality. 19 in 23. That’s a very, very good record. He is a fantastic player and he has been great for Newcastle.”
Why Alexander Isak will soon have his wages cut at Newcastle
Despite a fantastic season for the club, it seems Isak is on course for a reduction in wages.
GIVEMESPORT reported earlier this week that Newcastle’s failure to reach the Champions League this season will see most of the squad have their salaries reduced by roughly 20%.
Whether that is enough for Isak to look to leave remains to be seen. He’s talked of his desire to stay at St James’ Park going forward, after all.
Hopefully, we get to see Isak on Tyneside for many years to come.
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