Alexander Isak added to his goal tally in Newcastle United’s FA Cup defeat to Brighton on Sunday afternoon.
The Magpies took the lead at St James’ Park when Isak confidently converted a penalty after 22 minutes, bringing his total to 22 goals across all competitions. The penalty had been conceded by former Newcastle player Yankuba Minteh, who atoned for his mistake by equalizing for Brighton just before the break.
From that point on, things took a turn for the worse for Newcastle. Anthony Gordon was sent off in the second half, and Isak was forced off with an injury. Gordon will miss the Carabao Cup final due to a three-match suspension, while Eddie Howe will hope Isak is fit and available for the trip to Wembley.
Isak compared to Cristiano Ronaldo
Newcastle struggled without Isak in their midweek clash against Liverpool, but Howe confirmed he was fully fit for Brighton’s visit. The Magpies’ chances of ending their 70-year trophy drought would certainly be boosted with Isak in the lineup, and one pundit even compared him to Cristiano Ronaldo within the current Newcastle side.
After Isak scored Newcastle’s opener against Brighton, BBC Sport’s John Murray drew the comparison, stating: “Alexander Isak is a changed man this season. Everything about him, in terms of how he carries himself, he looks a different level with his confidence and body language. When he stood there, it was almost Cristiano Ronaldo-like.”
How Isak performed for Newcastle against Brighton
Isak’s return to the starting lineup lasted 86 minutes before he was substituted for Callum Wilson. His departure had an immediate impact, as Newcastle’s attack lacked the same quality without him. Here’s a breakdown of Isak’s stats for the match:
Minutes played: 86
Goals: 1
Disallowed goal: 1
Touches: 25
Passes completed: 75% (9/12)
Shots taken: 4 (2 on target)
Dribbles completed: 33% (1/3)
Isak had a goal disallowed in the first half after a brilliant strike that found the back of the net, as he was ruled offside. However, much of his influence came from his off-the-ball work and build-up play.
Alexander Isak spotted doing something Cristiano Ronaldo-like during Newcastle’s defeat to Brighton
