‘Dare I say’ – Chris Sutton makes Alexander Isak admission amid Newcastle defeat
Chris Sutton highlighted that Newcastle United missed Alexander Isak as they were beaten 3-2 by Liverpool on Monday.
In a thrilling clash at St James’ Park on 25 August, Newcastle ace Anthony Gordon was sent off for a bad challenge on Virgil van Dijk on the stroke of half-time.
Despite their numerical disadvantage, the Magpies came back from a 2-0 deficit to level the scores at 2-2, but went on to lose 3-2, thanks to Rio Ngumoha’s late winner.
Meanwhile, amid Liverpool’s transfer pursuit of Alexander Isak, Eddie Howe’s star striker was absent from the action.
Chris Sutton highlights how Newcastle missed Alexander Isak against Liverpool
Before being shown a red card by referee Simon Hooper, conventional winger Gordon played up front for the North East club.
However, the former Everton man was not clinical, missing key opportunities to get himself on the scoresheet for Newcastle.
In the 28th minute, Gordon directed a header from a good position over the crossbar, which left former Celtic and Blackburn Rovers striker Sutton far from impressed.
Speaking live on Sky Sports [25 August], Sutton said: “Dare I say if that’s Alexander Isak, I suspect he buries that.”
William Osula’s goal came at the right time for Eddie Howe
Football Insider verdict
While Liverpool remain keen on Isak, it is no secret that Howe wants to bring another striker to the North East after his former backup option, Callum Wilson, joined West Ham United on a free transfer.
| Opponent | Date |
| Leeds (A) | 30/08 |
| Wolves (H) | 13/09 |
| Bournemouth (A) | 20/09 |
Howe’s decision to play Gordon up front in Isak’s absence, rather than striker William Osula, shows that he does not trust the former Sheffield United man in the Premier League.
Meanwhile, Newcastle have bid for Wolves hotshot Jorgen Strand Larsen.
After joining the St James’ Park side from Sheffield United last summer, Osula failed to make a Premier League start for Howe’s men last season.
However, while Strand Larsen would be a better option than the Denmark Under-21 international, the ex-Blades forward showed that he can deliver on the big stage by scoring against Liverpool on 25 August.
That development has come at the right time for Howe, who will have to depend on the 22-year-old while Gordon is suspended following his red card.