Eddie Howe (left) and Liverpool flop Alexander Isak.placeholder image
Eddie Howe (left) and Liverpool flop Alexander Isak. | Getty Images
Yoane Wissa gave Newcastle United a direct option in attack against PSV Eindhoven.
Eddie Howe has downplayed comparing Yoane Wissa to former Newcastle United striker Alexander Isak.
Wissa bagged his first Champions League goal to break the deadlock as the Magpies beat PSV Eindhoven 3-0 at St James’ Park. Many predicted the game to be a potential banana skin but a resounding victory ensured Newcastle at least a play-off spot for the last 16.
Ahead of kick-off, debate centred around whether Wissa or Nick Woltemade would lead the Toon attack. Eddie Howe has rotated both in recent weeks and went with the more direct option against the Eredivisie leaders.
Eddie Howe swerves Alexander Isak question
Observations have been made about Newcastle’s setup looking more suited to having Wissa up front. Isak led the line for three seasons and, while comparisons with Wissa can be debated, he is a completely different profile to Woltemade.
When asked about the Isak similarities, Howe stayed coy, preferring to focus on the frontline as a unit. He told reporters: “We've had games where our front three, and I'd prefer to maybe talk about groups of players rather than the individual, I think we've had games this season where our front three or attacking units perform really well. I thought it was good today.
“I thought it was good tactically, I thought it was good athletically. Relationships were quite good today on the pitch (but) I think we can still do better. We’ve had games where I've felt that also, but just having the two centre-forwards fit and available is transformative for us.
“We don't have to over-cook one player. We can rotate, we can try and get everyone on the pitch fresh with the ability to play at their best level.”
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Living the Newcastle United dream
Speaking post-match, Wissa also highlighted how nights like Wednesday are why he so desperately wanted to join Newcastle last summer. The Toon No.9 is adamant the Magpies can finish in the top eight and secure an automatic spot in the last 16.
“For nights like this, for where I wanted to be, the club I wanted to join…” Wissa added. “So, yes, amazing, amazing night. It’s been a fantastic night because we played well. The fans have been amazing.
“For me, as you said, the first goal I hope of many, and hopefully another one next week. We want to finish top eight. “I think we need to show some character because it’s going to be difficult there. They are the best team in Europe. So hopefully we can do it and finish in the top eight.”
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