Alexander Isak became the first player in Newcastle United's history to score 20+ goals in back-to-back Premier League seasons when he registered in his team's 2-1 success over Brentford at St James' Park on Wednesday night.
The Sweden international turned a cross from Jacob Murphy into the back of the net to hand Eddie Howe's side a one-goal advantage in the closing stages of the first period.
Brentford hit back from the penalty spot in the 66th minute, with Bryan Mbeumo calmly slotting into the bottom corner, but Sandro Tonali's effort from a wide angle eight minutes later secured all three points for the Magpies.
Newcastle have risen into fifth spot in the Premier League table, one point behind the champions Manchester City in fourth, while Brentford remain 11th, now on 41 points form their 30 league matches this term.
SPORTS MOLE'S VERDICT
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Isak. That is it.
The 25-year-old has now scored 24 goals in 34 appearances for Newcastle this season, including 20 in 26 Premier League outings, and he is undoubtedly now one of the finest forwards in world football.
It will be fascinating to see what happens regarding the Swede this summer, as there are plenty of suitors, but surely offers of under £100m would not be considered, with Newcastle also in a strong position to keep him.
Isak will want to be playing Champions League football next season, and Howe's side are in a strong position to achieve just that, sitting fifth in the table, only one point behind fourth-placed Man City.
This was a very important match against a stern Brentford side that certainly had their moments, but statistics rarely paint a false picture in football, and Newcastle had 21 goal attempts on the night.
Only four of their attempts were actually on target, with two finding the back of the net, including a speculative effort from Tonali, which might have been a cross, but the home side did enough to secure all three points.
NEWCASTLE VS. BRENTFORD HIGHLIGHTS
45th min: Newcastle 1-0 Brentford (Alexander Isak)
Newcastle make the breakthrough in the closing stages of the first period at St James' Park, and the goal comes from Isak, who taps a cross from Murphy into the back of the net from inside the penalty box.
66th min: Newcastle 1-1 Brentford (Bryan Mbeumo, penalty)
Brentford level the scores in the 66th minute of the contest, with Mbeumo registering from the penalty spot after Newcastle goalkeeper Nick Pope had fouled Yoane Wissa inside the box.
74th min: Newcastle 2-1 Brentford (Sandro Tonali)
Newcastle regain the lead in the 74th minute of the contest through Tonali, with the Italian's effort from a wide angle ending up in the back of the net - it looked to be a cross, but the ball has flown in.
MAN OF THE MATCH - ALEXANDER ISAK
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Tonali is certainly worth a mention in this category, with the midfielder in excellent form, while the same can also be said for Joelinton, but Isak is deserving of the man-of-the-match award on Wednesday night.
The 25-year-old made the breakthrough towards the end of the first period, while he also completed four successful dribbles and won two aerial duels during a true centre-forward's performance, once again showing his quality on the night.
NEWCASTLE VS. BRENTFORD MATCH STATS
Possession: Newcastle 49%-51% Brentford
Shots: Newcastle 21-12 Brentford
Shots on target: Newcastle 4-3 Brentford
Corners: Newcastle 4-5 Brentford
Fouls: Newcastle 12-12 Brentford
BEST STAT
Alexander Isak is the first player in Newcastle's history to score 20+ goals in back-to-back Premier League seasons 🇸🇪
— Football on TNT Sports (@footballontnt) April 2, 2025
2023/24 - 21 goals
2024/25 - 20 goals* pic.twitter.com/GaG63Qgu7Q
WHAT NEXT?
Newcastle will be bidding to make it four wins in a row in all competitions when they continue their Premier League campaign away to struggling Leicester City on Monday night.
Brentford, meanwhile, will aim to bounce back from the reverse at St James' Park when they welcome Chelsea on Sunday afternoon for an intriguing West London derby.
Matt Law
