Can Alexander Isaac send Newcastle to the Champions League? – Premier League hits and misses

Will Isak’s return keep Newcastle in the Champions League?

How high are Newcastle United now if Alexander Isak was good for the whole season?

Swedish striker, It was acquired by Real Sociedad for £63m last summer. He scored on his Liverpool debut in August, but suffered a severe hamstring tear just as he settled down at St James’ Park.

The injury kept Issak out for the rest of 2022, missing a total of 16 games before finally returning in January.

But since regaining full fitness, the 23-year-old has begun to show the form he saw before the layoff, and after doubling at the City Ground on Friday night, he’s outperformed in his final two games. Scored 4 goals. club.

His manager Eddie Howe has apparently decided to run with Issak ahead of his trusty frontman Callum Wilson.

Isak has scored six Premier League goals in just 10 appearances this season.
Richard Morgan

Leicester showed their quality in the late turnaround

It seemed to be written on the wall for West London visitors. Leicester’s first half performance showed their recent problems. The lack of an attacking edge and the uncertainty of the rear.

But the team’s excellent goal, which leveled the scores early in the second half, was a reminder of the quality of the side. Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall blocked the challenge admirably in midfield, James Maddison did his best in the pocket to send his through pass into the box, and Harvey Barnes was dynamic yet lethal in his finish.

Brendan Rodgers lifted his arms in the air in joy and relief. It was the kind of move he liked.

The goal restored confidence to his side, with no winners significantly boosting their place in the relegation battle, but denied a shot at Brentford’s target in the second half to secure the result. This would relegate as a positive step for teams too strong to surrender.
peter smith

Brentford raised expectations

Brentford are unbeaten in ten Premier League home games. They are level in points with Brighton, who are seventh in the European race. This is a testament to Thomas Frank raising the bar on this side.

Brentford have failed to win a game in which they had more possessions this season and were again unable to convert extra-time on the ball into a win on Saturday. Frank later admitted that his forwards were missing shots.

However, the first half was a direct play that caused confusion in Leicester’s box, and the second-half drop-off could probably be attributed in part to the mid-week effort.

Frank looked tired in the post-match press conference, but an international break comes at a good time for Brentford, providing an opportunity to refresh mind and body for a final 11-game push. I have a high-league position.

“Yes, no. Because I know what this group of players is capable of,” Frank said when asked if his team was exceeding expectations. , in the bigger picture, Brentford’s excellent season should be appreciated.
peter smith

Bournemouth’s soft underbelly exposed

Confidence would have been high among the Bournemouth squad after impressive performances against Arsenal and Liverpool. They still have a very good chance of surviving relegation, but a defeat at Aston Villa would be a frenetic one.

They suffered from a slow start (with Douglas Lewis scoring a goal within seven minutes) and a lack of focus in the final 15 minutes when Jacob Ramsay and Emi Buendía wrapped things up for Villa. It was restored by

But for the bits in between, Bournemouth often played against Aston Villa teams who were looking up instead of down. The home defense was sharp and had to make some important interceptions, but Philip his Billing free from his kick Emi His Martinez’s brilliant save helped him to win the World Cup with his Cup-winning pedigree. timely reminder.

Aston Villa looked like a quality slicker team and punished Bournemouth for their mistakes. The Cherries defense, especially from set pieces, certainly left a lot to be desired.

Big results and wins are important and important memories for fans, but what makes or breaks a season is the weekly moves to teams like Aston Villa and Brentford, for example. Each must run to have a chance of survival.

Bournemouth’s soft underbelly was certainly exposed at Villa Park, but they have shown they have what it takes to stay in shape. They now have to put those positives to good use.
Charlotte Marsh

Gnonto returns to the team and makes an impact

Wilfried Gnonto was benched against Chelsea and Brighton, but his return to the starting line-up made the difference in the lead in the 4-2 win over Wolves. It was Gnont who scored the opening goal for Jack Harrison.

His cross made Harrison’s job considerably easier, and it was the third time the winger had bothered the Wolves despite the goal coming just six minutes into the game. The Italian international, who has been allowed to isolate his marker, is a real weapon for Leeds.

That freedom wasn’t always present at Gnonto. He was getting a lot of attention as it became clear that the team relied on him for production. Perhaps the Wolves weren’t ready to deal with him, so two games out of the team helped.
Adam Bate

Wolves must focus on their mistakes

Julen Lopetegui pointed out the decision not to award the Wolves a penalty for Junio ​​Firpo’s foul on Nelson Semedo. go to the monitor.

Adama Traoré’s shirt tug was obvious and Lopetegui’s margin was on his side as this frustration came shortly after Nick Pope’s foul on Raul Jiménez at Newcastle didn’t result in a penalty being awarded. When he says otherwise, he is probably making a valid point. .

But of greater concern to the Spaniards is not the failure of the authorities, but their own. The Wolves had plenty of chances against Leeds and despite allowing his fours to an opponent could take something out of this game, but still lacked the edge.

They made two lobs for 41 yards and a deflected shot, but it was a protracted miss – Raul Jiménez failed to find the net from inside the 6-yard box and Pablo Sarabia had a goal gap. passed by a large margin. It’s been around too long to hope that it will change.

Waste like this means you need a solid defense to win the game. He’s 1-0 for the majority of his wins this season. But when Craig Dawson took over, the organization behind it was lacking. Bath in both boxes. A combination that is in danger of being relegated.
Adam Bate