Howe confirms Isak replacement plan | OneFootball

Howe Turns to Gordon as Isak Alternative

Isak’s Absence Leaves a Void

Eddie Howe has admitted that replacing Alexander Isak is an almost impossible challenge for Newcastle United. The Swedish striker, who has become integral to Howe’s attacking system, will miss the clash with Liverpool at St James’ Park, forcing the manager to look at alternatives.

Howe’s preference would have been to enter this fixture with Isak leading the line or at the very least, a new signing to strengthen his forward options. Instead, he is preparing to rely on Anthony Gordon as the focal point of Newcastle’s attack against the Premier League champions.

The absence of Isak was evident in Newcastle’s season opener, a goalless draw away to Aston Villa. Without their talisman, the Magpies struggled to convert dominance into goals – a problem Howe must address quickly if Newcastle are to keep pace with the division’s top sides.

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Gordon’s Opportunity Through the Middle

Gordon, usually deployed wide, has been tasked with leading the line. Howe is convinced the England international has the attributes to adapt.

“I don’t think anyone can fill Alex’s boots and Anthony will know that,” Howe explained. “He’s not trying to be Alex, he’s got to be himself. Against Aston Villa, if he’d scored, you’d be calling it a perfect No. 9 performance. He had seven shots, looked threatening, and even forced a red card. What he brings are his pace and dribbling qualities – the goals will come.”

Gordon has been undergoing focused training on what it takes to operate as a centre-forward. Howe stressed that while the role demands a different rhythm and tactical awareness, Gordon’s versatility is a major asset. Having played centrally for both Newcastle and England, the position is not entirely unfamiliar.

Form and Frustrations in Front of Goal

The concern remains Gordon’s finishing record. His last league goal came in January against Wolves, part of a productive run that saw him net five times in six games. Since then, his only strike arrived in the Carabao Cup against Arsenal.

This downturn highlights the challenge facing Newcastle without Isak. The Swede has often been the difference in high-pressure fixtures, including last season’s cup final where his goal proved decisive. Gordon, while diligent and committed, is still searching for the consistency required at the top level.

Transfer Rumours and Commitment to Howe’s Plan

Gordon’s Newcastle story could easily have taken a different turn. Twelve months ago, financial pressure linked him with a move to Liverpool as the club scrambled to raise funds to avoid a points deduction under Profitability and Sustainability Rules. Ultimately, it was Elliot Anderson and Yankuba Minteh who were sold, with Gordon staying at St James’ Park.

Although he admitted the speculation had an impact, Gordon responded in the right way. He has worked to silence distractions and focus on delivering for Newcastle. Howe sees this commitment as crucial, particularly when navigating a season without key players like Isak.

Newcastle may lack the same clinical edge in Isak’s absence, but in Gordon they have a versatile attacker capable of unsettling even the strongest opposition defences. Liverpool cannot afford to underestimate the threat posed by a player eager to prove himself as a credible alternative.