Alexander Isak’s three-word Newcastle United reminder after dramatic Fulham win

Newcastle United striker Alexander Isak was happy to move on from his injury frustration after he scored the decisive goal in Sunday’s home win against Fulham.

The former Real Sociedad star enjoyed a positive start to life on Tyneside after joining the Magpies earlier this season in a club record deal believed to be worth around £63m. A debut goal and a lively display on his debut at Liverpool gave signal of the talent possessed by the Sweden international and he followed that up with a penalty in a 1-1 home draw with Bournemouth.

However, an injury suffered on international duty suffering an injury on international duty in September hampered his introduction to life in the Premier League and United supporters had to wait until the recent FA Cup defeat at Sheffield Wednesday to see their record addition in action once again.

Isak made his first St James Park appearance since mid-September when he came on as a substitute in Tuesday’s Carabao Cup quarter-final win against Leicester City and he made an even bigger impact on Sunday when he headed home the only goal to see off an in-form Fulham.

The win moved Eddie Howe’s side back into third place in the Premier League table and ensured they remain firmly in contention for a first return to the Champions League since the days of Alan Shearer, Craig Bellamy and Sir Bobby Robson.

Speaking after the game, Isak reflected on his comeback from injury and said: “I am back”.

He told Sky Sports: “It was a tough game. I think at the end we were the better team and I am happy to get the three points. I think that goal is a striker’s goal, right place at the right time. A great assist from Callum and for me it was just to put in. As I have said before, it has been frustrating, it has been a journey, but now I am back and I am happy to be able to contribute with a goal today.”

Isak also earned the praise on United manager Howe, who believes the goal was reward for the hard work he had put in during his recovery.

He said: “The goal was a special moment. So pleased for Alex. You want to hit the ground running at a new club and he did before the injury. He had to wait and watch the team do well in his absence. He’s worked hard. For these moments the work was worth it.”