ALEXANDER ISAK has admitted Newcastle United’s players felt they had to produce a second-half revival to atone for their first-half no-show at Brentford’s Gtech Community Stadium.

The Magpies trailed to Ivan Toney’s penalty at the break in west London, and were fortunate not to have been further behind after Toney saw an earlier spot-kick saved by Nick Pope and also had an effort ruled out for offside.

Eddie Howe made a double change at the interval, bringing on Callum Wilson and Anthony Gordon, and his alterations made an immediate impact as Newcastle turned things around in the second half.

The Magpies levelled with a cross-shot from Joelinton that deflected in off David Raya, before Isak rifled home a winner from the edge of the 18-yard box.

Isak said: “We talked about looking forward and leaving the first half behind. We all knew it was not good enough.

“He (Howe) made two good substitutions - Callum Wilson and Anthony Gordon gave us good energy and changed the game for us.

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“It was important for the team and for me. I felt I had not come into the game yet. Callum came in, and it was unselfish of him (to set up Newcastle’s second goal) and a good finish for me.

“We are all doing well and contributing. I am happy to be part of this. Every game is important. We know it will not be easy, but we are in good form and we need to keep going.”

The first half of today’s game was certainly not straightforward, but Isak was delighted with his side’s response in the second half.

He added: “It was a tough game. This is a tough place to come to. They have been unbeaten here for a very long time.

“It was a tough task and we felt that in the first half. But we turned it around with different energy. We are happy with the three points.”