Newcastle’s Alexander Isak vs Erling Haaland debate: PL player says ‘there’s levels to it’

West Ham United striker Michail Antonio has had his say on some Newcastle United supporters drawing lofty comparisons between Magpies talisman Alexander Isak and Manchester City record-breaker Erling Haaland. A debate between football fans was drummed up online in the aftermath of Eddie Howe's side beating Manchester City at St James' Park in the Carabao Cup. It was a second-half Isak goal that saw Newcastle United win that fixture 1-0 and, after the match, Haaland was seen making a beeline to the Swede to swap shirts.

Newcastle United supporters were quick to quip about Haaland being a 'fanboy' of Isak after the performance but, behind the jokes, some took time to think about whether the Swede could outscore the Norweigan in the Premier League this season. Currently, only the Manchester City man has netted more goals in the top flight than Isak's six with eight to his name - Spurs star Son Heung-Min also has six goals.

Speaking on the BBC Sounds' Footballers' Football Podcast in the days after facing Isak and Newcastle United himself, West Ham United forward Michail Antonio broached the comparisons between the two in-form goalscorers.

Antonio said: "There was some Newcastle fans that said the other day, and people were destroying them for, saying Isak is going to score more goals than Haaland this year. I saw that... I thought it was a bit mad myself.

"There's levels to it. I think he's a quality player. The man is sharp! He is sharp, quick, nimble, great feet. I fouled him myself in the game, I had to kick him down. He is quality but it's a difference in teams - Haaland is going to get lots more opportunities and he's a finisher. The fact he will get more opportunities and is a quality finisher, he's going to get more goals."

Isak was on target twice at the London Stadium before the international break, bagging two second-half goals to ensure the Magpies left London with a point after the 2-2 draw.

Last week the star pulled out of the Sweden squad as he nurses a knock picked up in the meeting with West Ham. A statement from the Swedish national side read: "Alexander Isak leaves the men's national team's European Championship qualifying squad. The Newcastle striker came to the gathering with an injury report from Sunday's match against West Ham and underwent an examination by the Swedish national team's medical team on Monday. After that, it is clear that Isak is not available for games next week and will miss the European Championship qualifier against Belgium next Monday."