Just over a month ago, Newcastle United appeared to be floundering in the Premier League. A 4-2 loss to Brentford on December 7 left the team in 12th place, with only two wins in their previous 11 top-flight games. Frustration among fans was palpable, and head coach Eddie Howe felt compelled to address their concerns directly.
“It is always difficult to face the supporters when you haven’t delivered what you want to give them,” Howe admitted at the time. “I would like to thank everyone who came today, and I’m really sorry for what we delivered. My pledge is that we will always work as hard as we can to put it right.”
Howe kept his word. Fast forward a few weeks, and Newcastle United is now soaring, winning five consecutive Premier League matches. Victories over Aston Villa, Tottenham Hotspur, and Manchester United have propelled them to fifth place. This remarkable turnaround has been driven by several factors, most notably the outstanding performances of Swedish striker Alexander Isak.
The Emergence of Alexander Isak
Isak has been the focal point of Newcastle’s resurgence. His contributions have transformed the team’s attacking dynamics, earning praise from pundits and fans alike. Football analyst Ally McCoist went so far as to declare, “I think Alexander Isak might be the best all-around center forward in the league at this moment.”
As of late October, Isak had scored just one Premier League goal, but his recent purple patch has been extraordinary. Since Newcastle’s match against Chelsea on October 27, Isak has netted 12 goals in 12 league games and provided three assists. This surge has catapulted him to joint-third in the Premier League’s top scorer rankings, alongside Cole Palmer and Bryan Mbeumo, and behind only Mohamed Salah and Erling Haaland.
McCoist highlighted Isak’s versatility and consistency, saying, “You look at somebody like Haaland—if he doesn’t get service, sometimes he’s anonymous. Whereas Isak will always give you something. He’s one of those center forwards at this moment in time; if you see him go one-on-one with the goalkeeper, you fancy him.”
The statistics back this up. Isak’s touch map reveals his ability to contribute across the pitch, while his penalty-box instincts have been crucial to Newcastle’s success. His current scoring streak stands at seven consecutive games, underscoring his importance to the team’s offensive revival.
A Turning Point Against Arsenal
While Newcastle’s winning streak began in December, the seeds of their transformation were arguably sown in their 1-0 victory over Arsenal on November 2. Facing one of the league’s most formidable defensive pairings in Gabriel Magalhães and William Saliba, Isak delivered a standout performance. His well-timed header opened the scoring, and his overall play helped end Newcastle’s five-game winless run.
From that point, both Isak and Newcastle gained momentum. His ability to find space in the box and capitalize on scoring opportunities was on full display in subsequent matches, including a crucial goal against Tottenham Hotspur.
The Role of Crosses
A closer look at Isak’s goals reveals a clear strategy in Newcastle’s attacking play. Nine of his recent goals have come from crosses, with one added from a corner. Jacob Murphy has been instrumental in this, delivering four assists during this period.
Howe acknowledged Murphy’s contributions, noting, “He [Murphy] is old-fashioned in the sense that he’s a right-footed player playing on the right-hand side, which I think is a good dynamic for us. Probably Jacob’s stand-out quality is his crossing ability. He’s very good, whether it’s high crosses, low crosses—he’s got that ability to drive infield and then take the line and produce for us. Alex has been the beneficiary of that on a number of occasions this season.”
This reliance on precise deliveries has become a hallmark of Newcastle’s attack, with Isak thriving as the focal point.
A Midfield Overhaul
While Isak and Murphy have excelled up front, Newcastle’s midfield adjustments have been equally significant. Sandro Tonali’s return to action has added balance and energy to the team. After serving a suspension due to a betting ban, Tonali was deployed at the base of Newcastle’s midfield in their 4-0 victory over Leicester City on December 14.
His presence has brought renewed stability and creativity to the engine room, allowing Newcastle to dominate games. Since that tactical shift, the team has won seven matches in all competitions, scoring 20 goals and conceding just two.
Looking Ahead
Newcastle United’s revival has not only reignited their Premier League campaign but also reestablished them as genuine contenders for European qualification. Eddie Howe’s tactical adjustments, coupled with Isak’s exceptional form, have created a winning formula that could yield further success in the months ahead.
Isak’s consistency and ability to deliver in crucial moments have solidified his status as one of the league’s most complete forwards. Meanwhile, the contributions of players like Murphy and Tonali underline the collective effort behind Newcastle’s resurgence.
As Newcastle prepares for upcoming challenges, their fans can take heart in the remarkable turnaround their team has achieved. The transformation from mid-table mediocrity to top-five contention is a testament to the hard work, determination, and tactical ingenuity displayed by the entire squad.
With momentum firmly on their side, Newcastle United is poised to make the second half of the Premier League season an exciting journey for their supporters. If the team continues on this trajectory, a return to European football—and perhaps even more—is well within reach.
