Paul Merson expects Alexander Isak to have more joy playing away from St James’ Park this season. In his only game on the road in black-and-white colours, the Swedish international shocked Anfield to put Newcastle United 1-0 up against Liverpool.
A controversial offside goal denied Isak a well-taken second but his supply line has been scant ever since. However, the striker looked ice cold to dispatch a crucial equaliser from the spot against Bournemouth on Saturday.
The Magpies have, at times, looked devoid of ideas in front of goal so far this season. Injuries have blunted Eddie Howe’s attack, with Allan Saint-Maximin, Callum Wilson and Isak yet to feature alongside each other.
READ MORE: Newcastle booed, Alexander Isak's brilliant reaction and brutal Bournemouth taunt - 5 things
Frustrations boiled over at the full-time whistle after the Cherries thwarted wave after wave of Newcastle attack. Learning the ability to break teams down at home is a task United must learn, with teams wary of their new-found confidence at St James’ Park.
Former Arsenal star Merson believes Isak’s game is more suited to playing away from home, when Newcastle have more opportunities to counter-attack. The Sky Sports pundit said post-match: “I didn't see too much of him, they (Bournemouth) defended him very well. You know, it's hard. Sometimes it's hard (for a striker).
“You need that grass behind the defence and it wasn't there for him. He's very quick (and) they nullified that, Bournemouth. They just sat back and put 10 behind the ball. (There was) not a lot of space between the goalkeeper and the back four. He didn't have anywhere to go.
“When it’s like that it's going to be hard. I think he’ll get a lot more joy away from home.”
READ NEXT
Eddie Howe asked big Ivan Toney Newcastle question after Rafa Benitez's 'nobody told me' claim
Everything Eddie Howe said at his press conference
Gareth Southgate tracked Newcastle transfer target as club make appointment to prevent disaster
Newcastle attribute has Premier League bosses worried in meetings
Todd Boehly briefly talks $900m investment with PIF that strengthens Newcastle and Chelsea link
