Newcastle United have two huge games remaining this season.
Eddie Howe takes his Newcastle United side to Arsenal on Sunday before the Premier League season finale against Everton at St James’ Park next week.
By the time they kick off against the Toffees, Howe’s side could already have sealed Champions League qualification.
Still, right now, the job is not yet finished. While it would now be a surprise to see Newcastle drop out of the top five in the Premier League table, it doesn’t mean it cannot happen.
Crucial to keeping them in the Champions League spots will be Alexander Isak. The striker has been in fine form all season and 12 of his 27 goals across all competitions have directly resulted in Newcastle winning the game.
Still, things have slowed down of late. And Newcastle staff know it.
Photo by Alex Dodd - CameraSport via Getty Images
Photo by Alex Dodd – CameraSport via Getty Images
Newcastle United know all about Alexander Isak’s struggles for form
The 25-year-old has not scored from open play since the 5-0 win over Crystal Palace last month.
Clearly, the Sweden international should be afforded some slack. He’s been brilliant all season and Howe’s side wouldn’t be in the position they are now in without his goals.
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However, Isak was criticised for his performance for Newcastle against Chelsea and even the most ardent supporter of his would surely admit he’s been snatching his chances of late.
Interestingly, Craig Hope of The Daily Mail revealed the Newcastle United coaching staff were aware of his recent dip in form.
“[He’s] way off his very best,” Hope said on YouTube.
“We all know that and the staff on the inside know that.”
Alexander Isak has to prove he’s worth more than £150million
Any even slight criticism of Isak has to be measured for the reasons outlined above. Newcastle have largely been winning of late, however, and there’s little doubt that has covered up some of his relatively subdued performances.
There could be plenty of reasons for that. It’s been a long season and he’s had little genuine back-up for much of it.
Games Starts Minutes Played Goals Game-winning goals Assists
41 40 3,234 27 12 6
Alexander Isak’s stats for Newcastle United in 2024-25 season
However, Newcastle value Isak at more than £150million for a reason. Now, with just two games remaining, it’s time he steps again and confirms Champions League qualification for the club. That may sound somewhat harsh given all he’s done this season but those are the demands set on top players.
Having already scored the winning goal in the Carabao Cup final, Isak would further cement himself as a Newcastle United legend with a strong end to the season.