Newcastle boss Eddie Howe hails Alexander Isak’s ‘best performance of season’
The IndependentSign up to Miguel Delaney’s Reading the Game newsletter sent straight to your inbox for free Sign up to Miguel’s Delaney’s free weekly newsletter Sign up to Miguel’s Delaney’s free weekly newsletter SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy policy Newcastle boss Eddie Howe has welcomed Alexander Isak’s return to top form after his “best performance of the season” in a six-goal thriller against Liverpool. Asked about the 25-year-old’s contribution to an eventful 3-3 draw at St James’ Park on Wednesday, head coach Howe said: “I think it was Alex’s best performance of the season for us. He’s a great dribbler, so it was great to see those qualities back in his game, and I just thought it was a top performance from him.” Isak’s 35th-minute strike, a rasping drive from 22 yards, set the tone for a hugely entertaining match as a Newcastle side which failed to muster a single attempt on goal at Crystal Palace at the weekend rediscovered their sense of adventure. Howe said: “It’s great to have one of those moments from Alex because those moments of quality, he does possess and he’s delivered them consistently for us – maybe not so much this season, those strikes from distance, but he’s more than capable of doing that and that’s why he can make the difference for us.” Newcastle’s lead did not last, with Curtis Jones levelling within five minutes of the restart, and although Anthony Gordon fired them back ahead, Mohamed Salah’s double looked to have won it for the visitors until Fabian Schar slid home a 90th-minute equaliser.