Alexander Isak became just the fourth player in Premier League history to score in eight successive matches in the competition with a brace in Newcastle United's 3-0 success over Wolverhampton Wanderers on Wednesday night.
The Sweden international joined the special group, which also includes Jamie Vardy, Daniel Sturridge and Ruud van Nistelrooy, courtesy of his opening strike in Newcastle's three-goal victory over their relegation-threatened opponents.
Isak scored again in the 57th minute to extend his red-hot streak, before the striker turned provider for Anthony Gordon to register a third, with the home side proving to be far too strong their opponents at St James' Park.
The victory has moved Newcastle into fourth spot in the Premier League table, while Wolves stay 17th, with Vitor Pereira's side level on points with 18th-placed Ipswich Town, having played a game more than the Tractor Boys.
SPORTS MOLE'S VERDICT
© Imago
Isak has now scored 17 times in all competitions for Newcastle this season, including 15 in the Premier League, and there is absolutely no question that he is one of the best forwards in world football.
There was a host of speculation surrounding his future when it became clear that he would be leaving Real Sociedad in August 2022, but Newcastle were the team to put up the money - in the region of £60m - and he is now worth at least double that.
A number of major clubs in world football, including some in the Premier League, are desperately searching for a new forward at this moment in time, and Isak has the quality to represent any team on planet earth.
Isak is a special footballer, but the same can also be said for excellent midfielder Bruno Guimaraes; the Magpies have now won each of their last nine matches in all competitions, including their last six in the Premier League, and Eddie Howe's side certainly look capable of finishing in the top four this term considering the strength of their first XI.
As for Wolves, there have been positive signs under Pereira, but just one point has been returned since beating Manchester United on Boxing Day, and the team are very much involved in a relegation battle this term.
NEWCASTLE VS. WOLVES HIGHLIGHTS
Alexander Isak goal vs. Wolves (34th min, Newcastle 1-0 Wolves)
Alexander Isak breaks the deadlock! 🔓
— Football on TNT Sports (@footballontnt) January 15, 2025
He scores in his EIGHTH consecutive Premier League game 🔥
📺 @tntsports & @discoveryplusUK pic.twitter.com/AVuDiIMS8G
Newcastle make the breakthrough in the 34th minute of the contest, and it is another goal for Isak, who combines with Gordon outside the Wolves box before striking into the bottom corner of the net, but he receives a huge slice of luck courtesy of a big deflection.
Alexander Isak goal vs. Wolves (57th min, Newcastle 2-0 Wolves)
Isak again! 🥵
— Football on TNT Sports (@footballontnt) January 15, 2025
The Swede gets his and Newcastle's second goal of the evening 💥
📺 @tntsports & @discoveryplusUK pic.twitter.com/G1AYGkSZgl
Newcastle double their advantage in the 57th minute of the contest, and it is Isak once again, with the Sweden international converting from inside the box after receiving an excellent pass from Guimaraes.
Anthony Gordon goal vs. Wolves (74th min, Newcastle 3-0 Wolves)
Isak turns provider for Gordon to make it 3-0! 🤝
— Football on TNT Sports (@footballontnt) January 15, 2025
Newcastle are on track for a 9th win in a row 🔥
📺 @tntsports & @discoveryplusUK pic.twitter.com/ekMXwhQsCL
Newcastle secure all three points and avoid any potential late nerves here, as Gordon scores a third.
This time Isak is the provider, with the striker sliding a cross into Gordon, who finishes into the bottom corner.
MAN OF THE MATCH - ALEXANDER ISAK
© Imago
In truth, this was not a difficult call; Newcastle as a team performed impressively on Wednesday night, but it was a truly standout performance from Isak, who scored twice to move onto 15 Premier League goals for the season and then came up with an assist for Gordon.
Wolves were petrified whenever the striker had the ball in and around the penalty box, while his overall play was also excellent, winning two aerial duels and completing two successful dribbles, and he continued to bring his teammates into play throughout his time on the field.
NEWCASTLE VS. WOLVES MATCH STATS
Possession: Newcastle 60%-40% Wolves
Shots: Newcastle 18-13 Wolves
Shots on target: Newcastle 6-7 Wolves
Corners: Newcastle 4-2 Wolves
Fouls: Newcastle 10-13 Wolves
BEST STATS
Players to score 30+ non-penalty goals since start of last PL season:
— StatMuse FC (@statmusefc) January 15, 2025
— Alexander Isak
— Erling Haaland pic.twitter.com/eZWKGarUo7
8 - Alexander Isak is just the fourth different player to score in eight successive Premier League appearances, after Jamie Vardy (twice for Leicester), Ruud van Nistelrooy (twice for Manchester United), and Daniel Sturridge (for Liverpool). Unstoppable. pic.twitter.com/evZ4QCC0y1
— OptaJoe (@OptaJoe) January 15, 2025
Players to score 15+ goals and assist 5+ goals this PL season:
— StatMuse FC (@statmusefc) January 15, 2025
— Alexander Isak
— Mo Salah pic.twitter.com/zKiE58HwSx
WHAT NEXT?
Newcastle will be aiming to make it 10 straight wins in all competitions, and seven in a row in the Premier League, when they welcome Bournemouth to St James' Park on Saturday afternoon.
Wolves, meanwhile, will be bidding to avoid a third straight loss in the Premier League when they head to Chelsea on January 20, while their next home fixture is against Arsenal on January 25.
Matt Law
