Alexander Isak was subjected to a hostile reception from Newcastle fans on his return to St. James' Park on Sunday, but the Liverpool striker was not surprised by the abuse
Alexander Isak faced plenty of abuse on Sunday
Alexander Isak faced plenty of abuse on Sunday(Image: Getty Images)
Liverpool boss Andoni Iraola suggested Alexander Isak was prepared for the hostile welcome from Newcastle supporters upon his return to St. James' Park.
Isak featured for the entire match and had his every involvement met with jeers from the home crowd during Sunday's thrilling 2-2 stalemate, which saw Dominik Szoboszlai convert a 99th-minute spot-kick to secure a point on Tyneside.
It marked Isak's first appearance against the Magpies since his lengthy, sometimes contentious transfer, which was finalized on September 1 last year. The Swedish striker endured offensive chants, along with boos and jeers, while numerous Newcastle supporters directed "rat" chants at the forward as he entered the ground where he had spent three seasons.
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Iraola commended the No. 9 for his response to the antagonistic atmosphere, stating: "I think he expected a little bit the atmosphere. It's not a big surprise for him.
"He has tried everything. He has given us good positions on the ball, probably has had a couple of situations to finish inside the box, but probably not the clearest we wanted.
"But I value that he has continued pushing and fighting in the game, and I think it was a good step for Alex.
Andoni Iraola has reacted to Sunday's game
Andoni Iraola has reacted to Sunday's game(Image: Getty Images)
"Because we scored at the end, you have a better taste. Before the game, we wouldn't have signed for this result probably. But it is a reward because we put a lot of pressure on Newcastle, and we had to wait until the end.
"I think we have done more than enough to score that goal. If we'd have scored earlier, probably the run of the game was for us.
"They tell me the stats are more for us, in terms of chances and creating more, but it's true they could say that they were winning, so they don't need to push and were defending their result.
"In terms of putting pressure (on Newcastle), in the first half we haven't finished the things, we are on the edge of the box and inside the box where we haven't finished the play and not had a shot.
"They scored their first goal because we didn't finish it, and they have a chance. The second half, we were more decisive, the goal from Cody Gakpo, but also we put a lot more pressure, more set plays, more crosses, more things inside the box.
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"It's a reward, it's only a point, but at least it's something that's deserved."
Anthony Elanga's early strike was equalized by a powerful Gakpo effort following the interval, before substitute Joe Willock netted two minutes afterward with one of his initial touches.
It fell to Szoboszlai to secure a point for the Reds after new signing Victor Munoz had been fouled by Lewis Hall deep into added time.