Alexander Isak did not play the full 90 minutes as Newcastle United beat West Ham United on Monday night.
The Magpies picked up a massive three points at the London Stadium, as Newcastle won 1-0 against West Ham thanks to Bruno Guimaraes’ second half goal.
It is a vital victory for Newcastle ahead of the Carabao Cup final, with Eddie Howe’s players in action at Wembley on Sunday against Liverpool.
That game was playing on the minds of every Toon fan during the game against the Hammers, with fears of more injuries and suspensions. You could sense the tension when Sandro Tonali went down clutching his knee, while Joelinton was often seen limping.
Photo by Julian Finney/Getty Images
Photo by Julian Finney/Getty Images
Alexander Isak substitution explained as Newcastle beat West Ham
And there was even more fear surrounding Alexander Isak, given how important he is. Without him, the Magpies are a different team.
Amid fitness concerns, the 25-year-old was named in the Newcastle United starting XI on Monday night.
He was then withdrawn in the 79th minute after a quiet performance. However, Eddie Howe insists he only took the forward off because of tiredness.
“Yes, I didn’t take him off with an injury,” he told Newcastle World.
MORE NEWCASTLE STORIES
“I took him off because I thought he was tiring. But no issues that I’m aware of.”
READ MORE: Who is Alexander Isak? Age, Height, Family, Nationality, Roots
How Alexander Isak played against West Ham
There were hints of fatigue in Isak’s game at the London Stadium.
He struggled to get into the game, spending 79 minutes on the fringes.
There were moments of magic from Isak at times – a nutmeg here, a take-on there – but he rarely looked like adding to his tally of 22 goals this season.
The striker was involved in Newcastle’s winner, with Max Kilman claiming Isak fouled him before Bruno found the back of the net. However, it was not deemed strong enough to rule the goal out.
One chance did come Isak’s way in the second half, but he could only divert his effort over the bar after an incredible save by Alphonse Areola.
That was as close as the Sweden international got before being replaced by Callum Wilson.
However, his performance is not a concern. The most importing thing is that Isak is not injured, and he is on course to be available for the Carabao Cup final against Liverpool.