Eddie Howe has expressed concern over Alexander Isak after another lackluster performance on Saturday afternoon.
The Magpies suffered their first defeat of the season at Craven Cottage on Saturday afternoon, losing 3-1 to Marco Silva’s men in a defeat that drops them to 6th.th in the Premier League standings.
It took just five minutes for the home side to equalize through Raul Jimenez before new summer signing Emile Smith Rowe doubled their lead in the 22nd minute after a meandering run.
There was some hope for a potential comeback when Harvey Barnes made it 2-1 immediately after the break, but Reiss Nelson’s stoppage-time goal put the nail in the coffin for Howe’s side.
Despite some impressive performances already this campaign, some questions have been raised about his attacking side specifically.
The struggles of Alexander Isak
The jewel in the team’s crown has undoubtedly been centre-forward Isak, with the attention surrounding him in the summer transfer window a good representation of that.
But the Swedish striker has struggled to regain his goal-scoring form so far this campaign, scoring just one goal and registering one assist so far.
Speaking after his side’s loss, Howe expressed his concerns around Isak and ruled out any potential physical problems as the main cause.
“He’s not as involved as we want him to be, he’s not having the impact on the games we want him to have and what he’s capable of, hence the tactical reshuffle at half-time.” He said through the Gazette of Shields.
“We tried to bring the players closer to him. It’s something I have to think about.”
Top photo: George Wood/Getty Images
