Newcastle United have secured 'bargain' deal as farewell appearance mooted after 'transfer breakthrough'

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The key takeaways from Newcastle United’s 3-0 win over Wolverhampton Wanderers.

It’s just what Newcastle United do nowadays.

Last night’s performance against Wolverhampton Wanderers was far from their best, yet Eddie Howe’s side still walked away as 3-0 winners.

An Alexander Isak brace (more on him below) and a goal from Anthony Gordon recorded a NINTH straight win for the Magpies in all competitions. Having sat in the bottom half of the Premier League table at the start of December, they now occupy a top four spot.

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Here’s our key takeaways from another positive night at St James’ Park.

The tough decision Eddie Howe avoided

Newcastle United player Fabian Schar in action during the Premier League match between Manchester United FC and Newcastle United FC at Old Trafford on December 30, 2024 in Manchester, England. (Photo by Stu Forster/Getty Images)Newcastle United player Fabian Schar in action during the Premier League match between Manchester United FC and Newcastle United FC at Old Trafford on December 30, 2024 in Manchester, England. (Photo by Stu Forster/Getty Images)
Newcastle United player Fabian Schar in action during the Premier League match between Manchester United FC and Newcastle United FC at Old Trafford on December 30, 2024 in Manchester, England. (Photo by Stu Forster/Getty Images) | Getty Images

With the brick wall that is Dan Burn showing no signs of falling, Howe faced the incredibly difficult decision of deciding between Sven Botman and Fabian Schar at right-sided centre-back.

But ultimately, the decision was made for Howe. Schar wasn’t named in the matchday squad because of illness, though it is hoped he will return for Saturday’s meeting with AFC Bournemouth.

However, the decision then might not be as tough. Having excelled against Tottenham Hotspur, Arsenal and now Wolves, Howe has little reason to drop the Dutchman.

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That is, of course, if he isn’t fatigued. Indeed, it’s been a baptism of fire for the 25-year-old after recently returning from 10 months out with an ACL injury.

Alexander the Great

Alexander Isak of Newcastle United celebrates scoring his team's first goal during the Premier League match between Newcastle United FC and Wolverhampton Wanderers FC at St James' Park on January 15, 2025 in Newcastle upon Tyne, England. (Photo by Naomi Baker/Getty Images)Alexander Isak of Newcastle United celebrates scoring his team's first goal during the Premier League match between Newcastle United FC and Wolverhampton Wanderers FC at St James' Park on January 15, 2025 in Newcastle upon Tyne, England. (Photo by Naomi Baker/Getty Images)
Alexander Isak of Newcastle United celebrates scoring his team's first goal during the Premier League match between Newcastle United FC and Wolverhampton Wanderers FC at St James' Park on January 15, 2025 in Newcastle upon Tyne, England. (Photo by Naomi Baker/Getty Images) | Getty Images

Those who have the pleasure of watching Alexander Isak week-in, week-out have been saying for a while now that the Swede is the best striker in Europe. Now outsiders are beginning to take serious note.

Seventeen goals for the campaign and an eighth consecutive Premier League match scored in - beating Alan Shearer’s record, there aren’t enough superlatives to describe the 25-year-old right now.

Isak is an all-rounder, highlighted by both his goals versus Wolves. Isak’s first, albeit it took a very fortuitous deflection, showed his ability to drift out wide, find space and drive forward at pace.

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His second was a typical number nine’s goal. Credit to Bruno Guimaraes for the pass but Isak’s finish should not be underestimated. A quick look in the eyes and goalkeeper Jose Sa was sent the wrong way.

Since arriving from Real Sociedad for a club-record £63million in August 2022, a bargain not many people predicted at the time, Isak has scored 52 goals in 90 appearances.

If he fancies staying around long enough then Shearer’s 206 goals might just be eclipsed...

Sandro Tonali never tires

Sandro Tonali of Newcastle United in action during the Premier League match between Newcastle United FC and Wolverhampton Wanderers FC at St James' Park on January 15, 2025 in Newcastle upon Tyne, England. (Photo by Stu Forster/Getty Images)Sandro Tonali of Newcastle United in action during the Premier League match between Newcastle United FC and Wolverhampton Wanderers FC at St James' Park on January 15, 2025 in Newcastle upon Tyne, England. (Photo by Stu Forster/Getty Images)
Sandro Tonali of Newcastle United in action during the Premier League match between Newcastle United FC and Wolverhampton Wanderers FC at St James' Park on January 15, 2025 in Newcastle upon Tyne, England. (Photo by Stu Forster/Getty Images) | Getty Images

Italy boss Luciano Spalletti said around October time that “the game can last as long as” Sandro Tonali wants it to. My goodness was he right.

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He did at Arsenal last week and Wolves last night. Even when the clock strikes 90 minutes, Tonali still manages to charge around like a maniac. How?!

The 24-year-old has an extraordinary engine. Add his technical ability into the mix and that is a deadly combination.

All players have played their part in Newcastle’s remarkable turnaround since that Brentford defeat on December 7, but Tonali might just be top you know.

The gap that existed between the defence and midfield just isn’t there currently, and that is because of the former AC Milan man. He’s putting out more fires than the actual fire brigade!

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A low-key farewell?

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At half-time at St James’ Park, news of Atlanta United’s attempts to re-sign Miguel Almiron made its around the press box. As per The Athletic’s David Ornstein, the MLS side are in advanced talks over a £11million deal with a conclusion expected in the coming days.

If talks progress as thought, then that could well be the Paraguayan’s final appearance in black and white. Although it would be very low-key, so perhaps not.

The 29-year-old was introduced as a 74th minute substitute and on the victory lap of honour did nothing out of the ordinary, chatting to his teammates as normal.

Yes, Almiron has fallen down the pecking order but he deserves a good send off if he is to go.

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Did someone say a title charge?

OK, so we’re half joking when we say that, though others will be deadly serious. As a result of winning six Premier League games on the spin, Howe’s side have moved up to fourth in the table, nine points behind leaders Liverpool.

The important thing is United have propelled themselves back into European contention. Four points above eighth place AFC Bournemouth with a chance to increase that advantage to seven on Saturday, a gap is beginning to emerge.

The campaign is only 21 games old, so there is a lot of football still to be played. But when you’re on this kind of run, anything feels possible. If Newcastle can keep their big players fit then it’s hard to argue otherwise.

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