In his first Premier League game after a long period of suffering, striker Alexander Isak provided the decisive moment.
This is how Alexander Isak had dreamed of his comeback! The former Borussia Dortmund striker, now in the service of Newcastle United, moved to the island from Real Sociedad at the end of August 2022 for a hefty transfer fee of 70 million euros and, after a good start (two goals in three games), suffered a serious thigh injury.
The 23-year-old had to miss 105 days and was unable to play in 13 of his team’s games during this period. Last Sunday he was back in the Magpies squad for the first time.
In the home match against sixth-placed Fulham FC, it was a duel for one goal. Newcastle dominated the game, had more possession and fired a total of 20 shots on goal. Nevertheless, it looked like a goalless draw for a long time – until Isak entered the pitch in the 71st minute to great applause. For the 37-time Swedish international, it was his first league appearance in almost four months.
The centre-forward then crowned this comeback one minute before the end of normal time. After a cross from Callum Wilson, he was in the right place in the middle and headed the ball into the net for the 1-0 final score. The jubilation in St. James’ Park knew no bounds. With this home victory, Newcastle consolidated their fourth place in the table. Head coach Eddie Howe’s team is surprisingly on course for the Champions League.
The goal was a special moment. I’m very happy for Alex.
Coach Eddie Howe.
The coach praised Isak after his successful return: “The goal was a special moment. I am very happy for Alex. He had to wait and watch the team do well in his absence. Alex has worked hard. For those moments, the work was worth it.”
The protagonist also expressed relief after season goal number three: “The long injury period was frustrating, but I’m glad I’m back and could help the team with a goal.”
The 1.92-metre tall Isak moved to BVB from his youth club AIK Solna in 2017 as a 17-year-old top talent. However, he failed to make his big breakthrough at Borussia. He only played 13 competitive games for the professionals and was labelled a bad buy. In the meantime, the Swede has arrived on the big stage…