Liverpool’s first Premier League game of the 2026-27 season ended in a 2-2 draw against Newcastle United.
St James’ Park was absolutely bouncing as Anthony Elanga gave the Magpies an early lead, only for Cody Gakpo to equalise.
Joe Willock scored a screamer in the second half and it looked like Matthias Jaissle’s side would hold on to get all three points. However, Dom Szoboszlai dispatched a late penalty to spare Liverpool’s blushes on opening day.
Another intriguing subplot was Alexander Isak’s return to his old hunting ground for the first time as an opposition player.
And it’s safe to say he didn’t cover himself in too much glory on Tyneside.
Michael Owen says Alexander Isak running out of time at Liverpool
Isak was booed heavily during the game and cut a largely frustrated figure as he failed to impact the game.
And Michael Owen feels he is starting to run out of excuses as it’s been almost a year since his Premier League record move to Anfield.
“I know how hard it is to get back and you do need time,” said Owen via talkSPORT
“He has been given plenty of time – he finished the season in the team, then went to the World Cup and has had a pre-season.
“Now he is starting to run out of excuses. We need to see the real Isak. We saw how good he can be at Newcastle, but we haven’t seen it in a red shirt yet. Questions will come now.
“At the start of the season, there are expectations, and Liverpool need him. [Mo] Salah has gone, [Hugo] Ekitike is out, and he needs to deliver.
“Against Newcastle, he was a yard off it, and that is worrying. He is the big-money signing, and I can’t say he played well because he didn’t.”
Alexander Isak is the biggest xG underperformer (-1.82) in the Premier League so far. 😬 pic.twitter.com/UTCEvIyLIS
— WhoScored (@WhoScored) August 24, 2026
Isak didn’t have a pre-season last time out and was injured just when he started to find his feet. This summer, he was at the 2026 FIFA World Cup and returned late to training.
Now, the aforementioned factors will have affected his preparation for the new season, but we also agree with Owen’s statement.
The Swedish striker is one of the biggest matchwinners in England on his day, but he needs to start producing the goods regularly to justify his hefty price tag.
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