ALEXANDER ISAK claims the last two matches have witnessed a welcome return of the ‘real Newcastle United’.
The Magpies struggled to hit top form in the opening two months of the campaign, but last week’s much-improved performance in a Carabao Cup win over Chelsea was followed by an even better display at the weekend as Isak’s first-half header secured a 1-0 win over Arsenal.
Both matches saw Newcastle reproduce many of the qualities that were so important when they qualified for the Champions League two seasons ago, with their energy, spirit and collective high pressing knocking their opponents out of their stride.
‘Intensity is our identity’ has been the Magpies’ mantra throughout much of Eddie Howe’s reign, and Isak was delighted to see some key qualities returning in the last week.
“We’ve won games this season where we haven’t played like ourselves, but I think in the last two games, we’ve really shown Newcastle United,” said the striker. “Hopefully, that’s been a confidence boost for the team, and the plan is to use that for the next games.
“In the last two games, we’ve played like ourselves, like we’ve done in previous seasons. I think that benefits everyone, me as well. We just have to keep our performances like this now. There’s one more game before the international break, so we just need to finish in a good way. Then it’s just about keeping going after that.”
Isak’s weekend winner, which saw him powerfully head home a pinpoint cross from Anthony Gordon, means he has scored 13 goals in his last 13 matches at St James’ Park.
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The Swede was forced to sit out a couple of games last month because of a broken toe, but feels he is now back to the peak of his powers, particularly when playing on home soil.
“I feel good,” he said. “I was out for a few weeks, and it can take a few games to get back to your best level, physically and technically as well. I’ve never doubted that, with time, I would get back to my best level.
“Playing at home, it’s an amazing place. We’ve got the fans cheering us on all game, and that helps us. It certainly makes me feel more confident. Obviously, the challenge is to be as good away from home, but I certainly feel very good here.”
Howe described Saturday’s winner as “not a typical Alex goal”, but Isak has been working on trying to improve his heading.
With Gordon currently playing on the right-hand side, there is the potential for a steady stream of top-class deliveries into the box, and Isak wants to make the most of them.
“We’re working on that,” said the striker. “It’s (heading) not my strongest quality, but it’s an element that I can develop. If I can get better at those things as well, then that will only benefit myself.
“The ball in was amazing, first time as well. I didn’t really think so much, just jumped up and tried to head it. It was a perfect one.”
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