Isak and Newcastle delivered another remarkable chapter in the Premier League by defeating Wolverhampton 3-0 at St James’ Park. With two goals from the Swedish forward and another from Anthony Gordon, Eddie Howe’s team secured not just three points, but also a firm spot in the top 4. Now with 38 points, Newcastle overtakes Chelsea, who sits at 37, and is just three points behind Nottingham Forest. Meanwhile, Wolves slip into the relegation zone in 18th, with a total of 16 points. The contest underlined how much better the Magpies are getting, but also just how badly stranded the Wolves are in their crisis.
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Isak sets new landmark
Once again, Isak was decisive, extending an astonishing run of scoring in eight successive Premier League games that puts him into the company of the elite, including Ruud van Nistelrooy, Jamie Vardy and Daniel Sturridge. Not only did the Swedish forward net a couple of goals, but he also laid off an assist for the third, showing much more than being just a goal getter. His first was in the 34th minute, when he received a precise pass from Bruno Guimarães to set up Newcastle's lead. In the second half, Isak doubled the lead with another show of skill and opportunism, further cementing his status as the focal point of Newcastle's attack. Gordon sealed the victory with a goal that epitomized the team's dominance.
Howe believes that Magpies have yet to reach their best
Despite winning convincingly, Eddie Howe sounded a note of caution, citing that the team was yet to attain its full potential. He did point out how patience played an important role during the match as Wolverhampton seemed to park the bus in the first half.
“We had to be patient, and we had to play in a slightly different way. We had a lot of the ball in the first half, and we knew Wolves would be stubborn opponents. We got a bit of luck with the first goal, but overall, I think we deserved it. Depending on how the game unfolds, you need different ways to win."
Isak continues to make Newcastle history
With ten wins in a row, Newcastle equaled their all-time winning run and underlined their rise as a force in the Premier League. Isak has definitely been among the standout players this season in the league, not only for his goals, but also for the leadership and efficiency he has brought into the team's attack. Since December, he has scored more goals than eight whole teams in the competition, and that underlined how much he had influenced things on and off the pitch. The Swedish striker is closing in on the record by Jamie Vardy of netting in 11 consecutive matches-set during the 2015/16 season.
Meanwhile, Newcastle looks to the future with great optimism as Wolverhampton addresses the urgent need to get themselves out of the relegation zone. The Magpies are edging their way into the creme de la creme of the league, while the Wolves have entered a survival war in which every point will count.