Newcastle fans and fantasy football managers have been left fuming after Alexander Isak wasn't awarded the assist for Jacob Murphy's goal in Thursday's emphatic 4-1 win against Everton.
Isak, who joined the Magpies last summer for a club-record £63million, produced a magical solo run to set Murphy up late in the second half, but his pass took a slight deflection off Everton defender James Tarkowski.
As a result, the Swedish striker - who drew comparions with Thiery Henry for his stunning piece of skill - wasn't officially given the assist, leaving punters baffled considering the goal was all about him as Newcastle bolstered their Champions League hopes in style.
Receiving the ball just inside Everton's half on the left flank, Isak proceeded to go on a mazy run over nearly 50 metres which dumbfounded four opposition players. But, as the Sweden international played the ball back across goal from the byline, it took a nick of Tarkowski's thigh before Murphy tapped into an empty net and sent the away section of Goodison Park into ecstasy.
Isak's name failed to appear on the statsheet after the final whistle, with fans voicing their dismay at the decision made by Premier League officials, who get their stats from Opta. "Definitely an Isak assist and potentially a contender for assist of the season too," one wrote. "Totally robbed if he doesn't get it!" Another fumed: "Isak assist or we riot."
Angry fans pointed out the league's official explanation for an assist, which reads on their website: "Assists can also be given when touches or attempted tackles from opponents deflect the ball in off the goalscorer. The scorer of the goal has to be the clear intended target for the pass and the assessment of whether the ball would have reached the scorer without the defensive touch must be made."
Even the Magpies' Twitter account appeared to suggest that the club were confused. They tweeted a GIF of Isak shrugging his shoulders in reply to Fantasy Premier League, who'd deemed that there was no assist, therefore leaving him with three fewer points.
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Pundits were in awe of the 23-year-old's solo run, with Newcastle legend Alan Shearer saying: "OMG what a goal that is. The run from Isak was OUTRAGEOUS to set up Jacob Murphy." Ex-Magpies striker Michael Owen also wrote: "Possibly the best assist I've ever seen from Isak."
Newcastle boss Eddie Howe was asked post-match about comparisons to Arsenal icon Henry, who was renowned for his left-wing dribbles which allowed him to cutting inside and torment defences. "I can see the comparisons," Howe acknowledged. "Everyone is different, there's no two players the same, but I think he has some of the characteristics that Thierry had.
"He's certainly got the speed, and is a similar build and frame. The footwork for the assist against Everton was truly remarkable really. I think he's got a lot of potential to improve and get better, but it's been a great start for him."
