Howe backs Isak to cement his status as Newcastle

Eddie Howe has backed record signing Alexander Isak to join Alan Shearer in the Newcastle pantheon after watching him enhance his credentials in a heart-breaking defeat by Manchester City.

The 24-year-old Sweden international capped a fine individual display with a stunning first-half equaliser, yet still ended up on the losing side after the club world champions snatched a 3-2 victory at St James' Park as a mouthwatering spectacle came to a dramatic conclusion.

Asked afterwards if Isak, a £63million signing from Real Sociedad during the summer of 2022, could go on to enjoy the same elevated status as the club's record goalscorer Shearer, head coach Howe said: "The goal was very reminiscent of Alan, really, the finish that he delivered.

"He can go on, I think, to achieve incredible things in his career. He's got so much more to offer.

"He's probably getting back to 100 per cent fit - I wouldn't say he's totally there yet. He's had his own injury troubles this season, but the last two performances and the goals that he's scored offers a glimpse, really, of his capabilities.

"He is really the all-round striker, in my opinion."

Isak dragged Newcastle back into a thrilling encounter 10 minutes before the break when, with Bernardo Silva having put the visitors ahead with an impudent flick, he collected Bruno Guimaraes' looping ball over the top, cut inside Kyle Walker and curled a delicious effort past substitute keeper Stefan Ortega.

When Anthony Gordon matched his feat two minutes later, the Magpies were flying, but a compelling contest was ultimately decided by a tale of two benches, one riven by injury and suspension and the other which included Kevin de Bruyne and the precocious talent of Oscar Bobb.

Howe's men were coping well