Gary Neville heaped praise on Alexander Isak during Newcastle’s Carabao Cup semi-final second leg against Arsenal.
The Magpies headed into the game with a 2-0 lead from last month’s first leg at the Emirates thanks to goals from Isak and Anthony Gordon.
During the first half at St James’ Park on Wednesday, Isak picked up where he left off as he tormented Arsenal’s defensive pairing of William Saliba and Gabriel.
The Swede – who has 19 goals in 26 games this season – thought he had extended Newcastle’s lead in the tie when he netted with a superb finish just minutes into the clash, but he was adjudged to be offside following a lengthy VAR check.
Isak was at it again soon after when he broke through on goal before his curling left-footed effort clipped the post, but Jacob Murphy was there to fire home to put Eddie Howe’s side 1-0 up on the night.
And, following the goal, Neville was quick to sing the praises of the Newcastle striker.
Gary Neville praised Alexander Isak during Newcastle’s Carabao Cup clash against Arsenal
Isak thought he had given Newcastle the lead on the night but his effort was ruled out by VAR
But minutes later, Jacob Murphy finished well after Isak’s left-footed effort struck the post
‘It’s all about Isak,’ he said on commentary. ‘He is messing the Arsenal centre backs about.
‘Look at him against Saliba, he (Saliba) thinks he has got in front and he pops it round the corner.
‘What a strike it is, and a piece of good fortune because the pass isn’t into him and it then falls to Murphy. But he has Gabriel and Saliba on toast.’
Isak, who has an impressive 54 goals in 93 games since joining Newcastle in the summer of 2022, has been heavily linked with Arsenal in recent times.
It comes at a time when the Gunners’ attacking options have been criticised, with many claiming Mikel Arteta needs to sign a top class striker to take his side to the next level.
The Spaniard had hoped to bring in attacking additions in January and admitted he was left ‘disappointed’ by their failure to sign a forward.
And Neville went onto highlight how Isak’s display put that neglect into the spotlight.
He added: ‘We mentioned them in the close up pre-match. You look at Havertz on one side and Isak on the other… it’s unfair on Arsenal in some ways.
The pundit also questioned how good Arsenal would be if they had Isak in their squad
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‘But you just wonder what Arsenal would be if they swapped shirts.’
Neville later added: ‘I have never seen Saliba so ruffled ever. Gordon and Isak are in his head.’
Anthony Gordon added a second goal after half-time to extend Newcastle’s lead in the tie to 4-0 before they closed out the game for a memorable victory, with the Gunners left with no answer to the rampant hosts.
The Magpies – who are in the Carabao Cup final for the second time in three years – will play either Tottenham or Liverpool in the showpiece event on Sunday, March 16.
