‘Dare I say’ – Chris Sutton makes Alexander Isak admission amid Newcastle defeat

Football pundit Chris Sutton has recently highlighted how the absence of striker Alexander Isak proved costly for Newcastle United in their 3-2 defeat to Liverpool. The match was a thrilling and intense encounter, but according to Sutton, the lack of a “proper center forward” was a decisive factor in Newcastle’s loss.

​Sutton’s analysis suggests that Newcastle’s attacking play, while generally impressive, lacked a cutting edge. They struggled to convert their chances into goals, a problem that a player of Isak’s caliber would likely have solved. This was particularly evident in their previous match, a goalless draw against Aston Villa, where Sutton also felt they missed a center forward.

​The defeat to Liverpool was made even more frustrating for Newcastle fans by the circumstances surrounding Isak’s absence. The Swedish international has been embroiled in a transfer saga, with Liverpool reportedly interested in acquiring his services. This has created a sense of unease and anger among the Newcastle faithful, who are concerned about losing their key player. Sutton believes this off-field drama has added an extra layer of difficulty to the team’s on-field performances.

​Despite the loss, Newcastle showed flashes of brilliance. They were able to take the lead against a strong Liverpool side, and their midfield, featuring players like Sandro Tonali, was a force to be reckoned with. However, the momentary defensive lapses and the inability to finish chances ultimately cost them the game. This highlights the importance of having a clinical striker like Isak, who can capitalize on half-chances and turn draws or losses into wins.  Sutton’s comments underscore the growing importance of Isak to Newcastle’s ambitions.

​The defeat leaves Newcastle winless in their first two games of the season, a worrying start for a team with European aspirations. The ongoing uncertainty around Isak’s future, combined with the team’s struggles in front of goal, could have a significant impact on their season. As the transfer window draws to a close, all eyes will be on Newcastle to see if they can resolve the Isak situation and bring in a suitable replacement to strengthen their attack. If not, they may find themselves struggling to compete at the top of the Premier League. The need for a prolific goalscorer is clear, and as Sutton pointed out, they missed one against Liverpool.

​You can find more analysis on the match between Newcastle United and Liverpool in this video: Chris Sutton discusses Newcastle vs Liverpool.