The ultimate weekend of Premier League motion earlier than Christmas noticed Liverpool prolong their lead on the prime with a shocking 6-3 win at Spurs, the 2 Manchester golf equipment endure but extra distress, and virtually all the pieces in between.
However who topped the charts? Our participant of the week is…
Alexander Isak (Newcastle)
What’s it about Scandinavian strikers? From Erling Haaland to Viktor Gyökeres, the area has arguably the decide of the strikers in world soccer.
None, although, are presently shining brighter than Alexander Isak, who continued his sensible latest type with a hat-trick in Newcastle’s dominant 4-0 win at Ipswich, their second consecutive such end result towards a newly-promoted aspect.
The Swede’s first confirmed off his sensible putting method but once more, his third his neat ft, whereas his second was bread and water for a striker as cool and composed as anybody within the Premier League.
Given his exploits of late – Isak has scored 9 in his final 9 league outings, and 6 in his final 4 – it was not a significant shock he took residence the match ball, nevertheless it being his first in English foootball was barely stunning.
Each the 25-year-old, and Magpies boss Eddie Howe, echoed these sentiments after the win at Portman Highway.
“It has been a very long time coming for Newcastle, my first one right here. I am buzzing. Scoring objectives will give confidence and assist me and the staff. It does not matter if it is one, two or three.” stated Isak.
Howe added: “I am stunned it has taken him this lengthy to get a hat-trick along with his expertise, however I am happy, His first hat-trick for Newcastle is a good second and we take pleasure in our gamers taking part in effectively.”
He joins Freddie Ljungberg (2003 vs Sunderland somewhat fittingly) as the one Swede to attain a hat-trick within the English top-flight.
Once you dive deeper into the stats since his arrival on Tyneside in a club-record £63m transfer from Actual Sociedad in August 2022, it suggests it will not be lengthy earlier than there is a second for Isak and a 3rd for Sweden.
Since Alexander Isak made his Premier League debut, solely Mohamed Salah (52) and Erling Haaland (76) have scored greater than his 41.
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On prime of that, of gamers in Premier League (post-1992) historical past to attain 40+ objectives, solely Haaland and Sergio Agüero have a greater objectives per 90 minutes report than him, whereas he’s tied with the participant he’s usually in comparison with, Thierry Henry.
Isak appears destined for the very prime, however the one query is whether or not Newcastle can fulfill his ambitions.
He has three years left on his contract, however there was hyperlinks to Arsenal, and virtually each membership will probably be if he is anyway receptive to a transfer.
Howe is aware of this, and ending their decades-long trophy drought could possibly be the distinction between the tremendous Swede staying or leaving subsequent summer time.
“He is motivated and needs to do effectively. He has massive aspirations along with his profession however he is nonetheless comparatively younger. His want to attain objectives is second to none and concerning his future, all the pieces has been optimistic. I’d love for him to contribute to us successful a trophy.”
With such a type from their fundamental man, the Geordies may simply get their want.
📸 Michael Regan – 2024 Getty Photographs
