Newcastle United's Alexander Isak celebrates against Liverpool _(Image: Owen Humphreys)_
EDDIE Howe believes Alexander Isak showed why he is [Newcastle United](http://www.thenorthernecho.co.uk/sport/football/newcastle)'s "difference maker" with his "best performance of the season" against Liverpool.
And Howe is hoping the striker's dazzling display against the Premier League's leaders can spark some more "moments of magic" as the Magpies look to get back to winning ways and climb the table.
Isak put Newcastle ahead on Wednesday night with a stunning first half strike that flashed past Liverpool goalkeeper Caoimhin Kelleher, and the Swedish striker troubled the Premier League's best defence throughout.
Even visiting boss Arne Slot was blown away by Isak's opener, saying: "That first one, whoa, what a finish that was. That shot from Isak, I don't even know if Caoimhin saw it."
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Isak created a string of first half chances, laid on the second goal for Anthony Gordon and had a strong penalty claim waved away when he went down under the challenge of Liverpool defender Jarell Quansah.
It was a timely return to form for Isak after two games without a goal against West Ham and Crystal Palace.
“I think it was Alex’s best performance of the season for us," said Howe.
"First of all, let’s take his goal. I think it was a goal out of nothing for us really, and this season, we’ve missed those.
"Last season, he regularly scored goals that he was probably not expected to score, and those moments of magic can swing games your way, and that was a massive step towards doing that tonight. He was elusive, difficult to mark and difficult to pick up, and was popping up all over the place.
"He’s a great dribbler, so it was great to see those qualities back in his game, and I just thought it was a top performance from him."
On the goal, Howe added: “It’s great to have one of those moments from Alex because those moments of quality, he does possess and he’s delivered them consistently for us.
"Maybe not so much this season, those strikes from distance, but he’s more than capable of doing that, and that’s why he can make the difference for us."