Eddie Howe urged Alexander Isak to block out the outside noise over his future and simply ‘focus on the next game’ following Newcastle’s 3-0 win over Wolves.
Isak continued his remarkable run of form in front of goal as Newcastle swept past Wolves on Wednesday night to move into the Premier League top four for the first time since September.
The Magpies forward was perhaps fortunate with the first of his brace, with the ball deflecting in off Wolves defender Rayan Ait-Nouri to break the deadlock in the 34th minute at St James’ Park.
But Isak provided a constant threat all evening and was more than deserving of his double, which when he latched onto a pinpoint pass from Bruno Guimaraes before cooly slotting home past Jose Sa on the hour-mark.
Isak also had a hand in the hosts’ third, assisting Anthony Gordon’s well-taken strike to put the game to bed midway through the second half.
The Swede has now found the net in eight successive games in the English top flight, a feat only three other players – Jamie Vardy, Ruud van Nistelrooy (twice), Daniel Sturridge – have achieved since the Premier League’s inception.
‘I think the first goal was key today, we needed it,’ Howe told TNT Sports after Newcastle’s 3-0 victory.
‘I think he’ll probably say that he meant this one, the way things are going for him at the moment!
‘But he’s got that freedom, he’s picked the ball out wide left and he’s a really good dribbler, so these moments we encourage him to get on the ball as much as he can.
‘He’s got a bit of luck with the deflection but he probably deserves it in the end.’
The Newcastle head coach added: ‘When he’s got the technical skills that he has it’s absolutely huge that we don’t ask him to be too central and static.
‘We need him on the ball, we want him on the ball as much as we can in the attacking third so he does have license and freedom within our structure to go and get the ball.
Asked whether Isak is the most sought-after striker in Europe, with the likes of Arsenal, Manchester United and Barcelona linked, Howe replied: ‘Everyone tells me he is, everyone tells me he is! But I think he’s enjoying his football.
‘We’re loving having him here, we love working with him. All I would urge him to do is focus on the next game.’
Speaking shortly after the final whistle, Isak attributed Newcastle’s current form to their hard work in both in attack and defence.
‘I feel very good, obviously. My ambition is always to score, I think that’s the best way that I can help the team,’ he said.
‘But I think it’s a team performance and it’s not just what we do going forward.
‘Defending the goal as well, we’ve been so solid lately so I’m really happy with the performance.’
Asked how he managed to cope with the outside noise, Isak replied: ‘There is obviously going to be noise from the outside but I think within the group it’s been peaceful.
‘We’ve been very focussed and concentrated on each game and I think you can see that with the team’s performance.
‘Everyone is doing a great job and it benefits the team.’
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