Alexander Isak is producing the goods at 'exactly the right time' for Newcastle United as they re-ignite their unlikely top-four push. That is the view of Garth Crooks, and the pundit believes the Magpies' dramatic victory at Nottingham Forest played a part in Antonio Conte's press conference meltdown.
Eddie Howe's side shrugged off three straight defeats in all competitions to secure back-to-back victories ahead of the international break. The Magpies now trail Tottenham in fourth place by just two points, and hold two games in hand.
Conte's side spurned a two-goal cushion at St Mary's as basement side Southampton fought back to snatch a point in a 3-3 draw on Saturday. The Tottenham boss took aim at his own players and the owners in the aftermath, with speculation mounting the 53-year-old will not be in charge for the next match at Everton on April 3.
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Isak netted twice at the City Ground, including the injury-time winner from the penalty spot, and scored the opener in the win over Wolves the previous weekend. Crooks named the Sweden international in his Premier League Team of the Week, and hailed the 23-year-old for 'leading the line exceptionally'.
He told BBC Sport: "The adjustment for his first goal was outstanding, while the coolness displayed to convert the winning penalty against Nottingham Forest justified his selection over Callum Wilson.
"Isak is starting to produce the goods at exactly the right time for the Magpies. Wilson did well for Newcastle during the early part of the season but has run out of steam since his return from a World Cup that must have been mentally draining.
"Meanwhile, Isak has taken the strain and is leading the line exceptionally as the Geordies mount a serious assault on a top-four place. Newcastle are currently fifth, two points behind Tottenham with two games in hand. Is it any wonder Conte has blown a fuse, having seen Spurs squander a two-goal lead at Southampton?"
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