‘Goodness me’ – Le Tissier blown away as Liverpool win to spark Newcastle striker reaction
Liverpool beat Newcastle 3-2 in a thrilling match at St James’ Park as the result throws the spotlight on Eddie Howe’s striker situation ahead of the transfer deadline.
The Reds managed to bag all three points away to Newcastle in a hotly contested affair as Rio Ngumoha scored Liverpool’s winner against Newcastle.
Cody Gakpo got two assists for Liverpool against Newcastle, setting up Hugo Ekitike and Ryan Gravenberch’s goals despite the 10-men of the Magpies bringing the score level against the odds.
The major talking point arose when Anthony Gordon received a red card for fouling Virgil van Dijk as the Toon now look even lighter up top.
With Alexander Isak still refusing to play for the club, Newcastle could have had their mind made up regarding what to do with the number 14, former England striker Matt Le Tissier told Football Insider exclusively.
Newcastle to be pushed into decision with what to do with Alexander Isak after Anthony Gordon red card
This article contains exclusive comment from former Southampton and England striker Matt Le Tissier.
The Magpies were likely to be disappointed by the result at St James’ Park after battling back from 2-0 down, especially with all the drama going on off the pitch with Isak.
When asked about his thoughts on the whirlwind of a game on Monday (25 August), Le Tissier exclusively told Football Insider that “any rational thinking football fan” would have been “gutted” for Newcastle.
Moreover, the suspension to Gordon may put things into perspective on what to do with their Swedish starlet as Willy Osula, who netted in the match, is now the only available striker.
He said: “Well, what a game at St James’ Park last night. Goodness me, any rational thinking football fan must have felt a little bit gutted for Newcastle coming back from 2-0 down with 10 men only to be denied in the last seconds.
“But what that match may well do is focus Newcastle’s minds on their centre-forward position.
“Now, obviously, Anthony Gordon is going to be having a three-match ban for a shocking tackle on Virgil van Dijk, it’s got to be said, I think the referee was absolutely spot on there.
“But, does that game make up Newcastle’s mind that they can’t afford to lose [Alexander] Isak or, does it make up their mind that they’ve got to do something quick, get rid of him and get a replacement in?”
Alexander Isak reintegration rests on Liverpool transfer position
After holding out for the whole summer for the Reds to swoop in for him, the Swede is in a perilous position amid uncertainty on whether he will be allowed back into the Toon fold.
Sources told Football Insider that Isak could make a dramatic U-turn to play again for Newcastle with his stance potentially “softened” if Liverpool decide not to sign Isak this summer.
This could see the 25-year-old put back into the squad as he looks to repair relations and improve his fitness ahead of the 2026 World Cup.
Newcastle are interested in Jorgen Strand Larsen with no deal agreed at this current stage after submitting a £50million bid for the Norwegian.
After constant failure in the transfer market, Howe is running out of options to bolster his frontline and may have to turn to the banished number 14.