Roy Keane
Roy Keane and Ian Wright during the Overlap's Watchalong
Roy Keane has singled out Liverpool midfielder Alexis Mac Allister for criticism following Alexander Isak's opener in Wednesday night's 3-3 draw at St James' Park. Mac Allister, who was part of Liverpool's midfield trio at Newcastle, alongside Ryan Gravenberch and Curtis Jones, received a yellow card early on for a foul on Fabian Schar - a booking that rules him out of the upcoming Merseyside derby against Everton.
However, Keane believes the Argentine's caution had an immediate detrimental effect on Liverpool's performance. Just 15 minutes after the booking, Isak scored for Newcastle, with Bruno Guimaraes bypassing Mac Allister to assist the Swedish striker.
Isak then shrugged off Virgil van Dijk to rocket the ball into the top right corner. Speaking on The Overlap's Watchalong, Keane blamed Mac Allister for being out of position: "Look at Mac Allister. Look at Mac Allister. Look at Mac Allister. Look at Mac Allister. Look at Mac Allister here. He can't. Great strike. What power. If you're on a yellow card and can't run don't go in there."
In contrast, Chelsea icon Pat Nevin praised Isak for his role in the goal and his overall first-half performance, as Newcastle maintained their lead until the break.
BBC Radio 5 Live pundit Nevin exclaimed: "Alexander Isak is some player! Moments after he set up Lewis Hall for a chance which he can't get on target he goes alone, turning Virgil van Dijk about 25 yards out and then absolutely leathering the ball into the roof of the net,", reports the Mirror.
"That had power, swerve, dip...a sensational goal! Liverpool made a good start to this game, but as the first half went on, Newcastle have got better and better. And Alexander Isak has been the absolute star of the show."
"He's created some golden chances for his team-mates before hitting one into the top corner. It was a very, very special goal from a special player."