Pride, passion & heartbreak - but Newcastle need end to Isak saga

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Stoppage-time despair against Liverpool? Newcastle United have experienced this scenario frequently before. In fact, it has occurred many times.

Stan Collymore's decisive goal in 1996 still evokes anxiety among Geordies of a certain age, and just a few years ago, Darwin Nunez spoiled the day at St James' Park with a last-minute goal that seized all three points.

Nonetheless, neither of those goals came as late as Rio Ngumoha’s strike in the 100th minute on Monday night.

After rallying from a 2-0 deficit with just 10 players, and having lost Fabian Schar, Sandro Tonali, and Joelinton to injuries, Newcastle ended the match empty-handed.

However, the fans' response at the conclusion expressed everything, as Newcastle supporters rose to clap Eddie Howe's fatigued team.

"Those players make me proud," the head coach remarked about his squad following the 3-2 loss. "Their unity and spirit have never been in doubt. They are completely integrated into Newcastle. They desire to be here, they want to compete. Their connection to the club is profound.”

Fans’ enthusiasm mirrored that on the field

These remarks felt particularly significant.

Just months ago, Alexander Isak etched his name into the club’s history by netting a goal against Liverpool in the Carabao Cup final, helping to end a 70-year drought for a major domestic trophy.

Yet, this time it was Liverpool's supporters who were chanting about Isak, as the away section repeatedly encouraged Newcastle to "hand him over."

Isak was notably absent once again, as the Swedish player, who has had a £110m bid from Liverpool turned down, continues to train separately from his Newcastle teammates. Unsurprisingly, this ongoing saga added complexity to the matchup.

Consequently, the atmosphere felt far from just an early-season encounter.

The Liverpool squad faced jeers as they disembarked from the team bus. By the time the visitors wandered onto the pitch to warm up, Newcastle fans were present to vocally express their disdain further. When the stadium announcer read out the champions' lineup shortly before kickoff, a thunderous chorus of boos filled the air.

The fervor of the home crowd was reflected in Newcastle's vigorous performance. Liverpool, notably, committed seven fouls in the first 20 minutes alone while aggressively attempting to contain the hosts.

Liverpool eventually took the lead through Ryan Gravenberch's effort, after which Newcastle’s Anthony Gordon left his mark on Virgil van Dijk's calf, resulting in a red card.

When former Newcastle target Hugo Ekitike, of all players, extended Liverpool's advantage mere seconds into the second half, it seemed a difficult comeback lay ahead for the home team.

However, the stadium roared once again when captain Bruno Guimaraes scored with a header to pull one back. The noise reached a crescendo when William Osula netted a late equalizer.

Just when it appeared that Newcastle was heading toward a well-earned draw, Liverpool seized all three points in the final moments - Dominik Szoboszlai's brilliant dummy set up Ngumoha to fire from 12 yards, silencing the majority of the crowd.

Isak resolution finally imminent

Liverpool displayed remarkable efficiency.

Nonetheless, Newcastle will lament their failure to capitalize on their advantage with a full squad when the score remained level.

Set-piece opportunities went to waste. The home side desperately needed a poacher to finish off enticing crosses that were easily gathered by Alisson. On the one instance when Harvey Barnes delivered a cross aimed for Gordon’s head, the forward failed to convert.

Examining the details further, Newcastle has registered 26 shots in their first two matches of the season, yet Howe's team has only managed six shots on target resulting in two goals.

Although Osula found the net on Monday night, the 22-year-old is still evolving and has yet to start a Premier League match for the club.

However, if Newcastle is unable to make progress in the transfer market in the upcoming days, the Dane may still play against Leeds United on Saturday after offers for Wolves' Jorgen Strand Larsen and Brentford's Yoane Wissa were turned down.

Howe was clearly aware that one of the world's top strikers remains a part of Newcastle’s roster – and how much the team could have benefited from the old Isak.

"The quality Alex brings would have noticeably changed the outcomes in the past two matches," Howe commented. "I don’t think there’s any doubt about that. However, the team has performed admirably.

"The contributions from all the players and the cohesion in the past two matches demonstrate that every aspect of the team needs to function effectively. There is no room for complacency in this league against any rival. We definitely needed to find the net in that first half when we were in control. Goals can alter the course of matches, but we are managing with the resources we possess."

Howe mentioned he was "not involved in the discussions that were taking place" amid speculation that Jamie Reuben, the club's owner, had engaged in direct talks with Isak, with chairman Yasir Al-Rumayyan also in town.

Regardless, a resolution to this situation is expected soon, with the transfer window closing on 1 September.

It is certainly needed.