'Top class': Eddie Howe now praises 24-year-old Newcastle man after another excellent performance

Alexander Isak returned to the starting lineup for Newcastle United yesterday and marked the occasion with another goal.

Newcastle have had to play the last couple of games without a recognised striker and it was touch and go for a while whether or not they'd have to do it again against Chelsea.

Thankfully Sweden international Alexander Isak recovered from his injury in time to lead the line for Newcastle at St James' Park.

It didn't take long for Isak to announce his return to action

It took just 12 minutes for our top scorer to add to his tally after controlling a beautiful through ball from Lewis Miley, turning and firing home for his seventh Premier League goal in nine games this season.

Serena Taylor/Newcastle United

Speaking to NUFC TV after the game, Eddie Howe had high praise for Isak for his performance and the way he took his goal.

“He’s top class. I really loved his finish today. I loved the movement and he stayed onside. I thought he led the line really well today and he showed how much we missed him.”

Isak will be key for Newcastle against PSG on Tuesday

Newcastle's domination in the second half turned into goals and a comfortable lead, backed up by a red card for the opposition, which all meant that Howe was able to bring Isak off the pitch with plenty of time to spare in order to protect him so he's fit to go again on Tuesday.

We aren't expected to have anyone back from injury ahead of the Champions League clash with Paris Saint-Germain on Tuesday night so it was crucial that we didn't pick up any more injuries yesterday. Especially after Joe Willock aggravated his achilles injury in training on Friday and now faces another spell on the sidelines.

Having Alexander Isak back to full fitness is huge for Newcastle. While our goals are coming from all over the pitch lately, it's always good to have someone like Isak who only needs a half chance to bag himself a goal.