Carlton Cole praised Alexander Isak after Newcastle United beat Nottingham Forest 2-1 on Friday. His goals also put the Toon in a good spot to qualify for the Champions League.
Newcastle came from behind to seal all three points at the City Ground through an Isak penalty in the 93rd minute. The striker had also equalized in first-half injury time after Emmanuel Dennis (26′) broke the scoring. He shot home at 45+2 during a sublime performance all night.
The Reds struggled to find an answer for Isak, as the 23-year-old regularly peppered Keylor Navas’ net efforts. Serge Aurier had to react well to deny the Swedish striker a second goal early in the second half. While Isak also created Elliot Anderson’s denied attempt.
Isak inspired Newcastle to a 2-1 win at Nottingham Forest with both goals
Isak nailed his cross for Anderson wide at the far post as the 20-year-old leaped over Aurier to head home. But VAR officer Peter Bankes and referee Paul Tierney agreed to scrap the effort after ruling Sean Longstaff offside. However, two Reds players had intentionally played the ball.
Anderson’s effort without counting would not cost Newcastle in the end, as Isak got his second Nottingham Forest goal. Moussa Niakhate raised his arm to block Isak’s header and give the Toon an injury time penalty. The striker with 37 caps would send Navas down the wrong path.
Isak had already shown his intelligence to beat Navas and also score Newcastle’s equalizer at Nottingham Forest. the magpies £63 million The club’s record signing of Real Sociedad last August produced a brilliantly improvised finish to volley Joe Willock’s cross off the post.
Cole believes Isak’s brace could help the Toons qualify for the Champions League
Isak sprang up to contort his body and volley to Newcastle level with his first Nottingham Forest goal. The endless threat from him throughout the City Ground affair impressed former West Ham United star Cole. Irons’ hero also feels the win can help Toon in the top-four race.
Newcastle have enjoyed a surprise challenge for Champions League qualification in their first full season under Saudi-led ownership. Friday’s win over the Reds moved them within one point of the top four. But the Magpies still have a game to play against Tottenham.
“Isak is the main man,” Cole said in talk sport (3/17, 22:18). “He is the main scorer and that victory means a lot and puts them in a great position.
“They are looking for that place in the Champions League and fair play for them. This is a great victory and they can chase the rest.”
In other news, Photo: What Takehiro Tomiyasu was seen doing after Arsenal lost to Sporting CP
