Alexander Isak’s remarkable assist during Newcastle United’s 4-1 thrashing of Everton left even two of the Premier League’s greatest ever centre-forwards stunned with Ian Wright and Michael Owen hailing the Magpies star.
Hatem Ben Arfa, eat your heart out.
Newcastle paid a club-record fee to bring Isak to St James’ Park in the hope that he would score his fair share of goals in black-and-white but, during a win which brought Champions League qualification even closer, the Sweden international proved that he can create too.
This was his first assist in the Premier League. And what an assist.
There appeared to be nothing on as the former Real Sociedad forward picked up possession wide-left with around ten minutes to go at Goodison Park. That was until Isak embarked upon the sort of dizzying, mesmerising solo run reminiscent of Ben Arfa, David Ginola and co at their very best, leaving Ben Godrey and Michael Keane dazed and confused before Jacob Murphy did the simple bit at the back post.
Alexander Isak shines as Newcastle United hammer Everton
“Possibly the best assist I have ever seen,” Owen, the former Newcastle striker, wrote on Twitter.
Arsenal legend Ian Wright, meanwhile, responded with a simple but fitting ‘Wow’.
During a fabulous first season in English football, Isak is silencing those who questioned the size of his price-tag. He’s already overtaken his tally from the whole of last term; 10 goals in 11 Premier League starts, two of those coming in Sunday’s 6-1 thrashing of Tottenham Hotspur.
Newcastle have now scored 10 goals in their last two league games. They have hit at least four in three of their last five.
“A return to goalscoring ways in the last couple of games,” Howe tells the BBC; Joelinton and a Callum Wilson brace helping see off relegation-threatened Everton. “Great to see.
“First half was not perfect, but second half was very good. We scored some very good goals. Second half, we really put our foot to the floor and showed what we are capable of.
“It is great to see. Callum was excellent today. The second goal was spectacular. It was great to Alex come on and do well as well.”
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