Here are the latest Newcastle United evening headlines on Friday, 23 September 2022.
Sweden teammates on Isak
Alexander Isak's Sweden team-mates admit they have been impressed with his start to life at Newcastle United in response to the striker's withdrawal from international duty early this week. The forward said his goodbyes and left his country's camp on Thursday after picking up a small niggle in training.
Isak trained alone after linking up with his international co-stars but Sweden staff felt the 23-year-old wouldn't be fit enough to face to Serbia on Saturday or Slovenia on Tuesday after assessing his knock at the start of the week. Viktor Claesson, Mattias Svanberg and the rest of the Sweden side will now have to tackle their Nations League clashes without their main man in attack and have been quick to highlight how big of a loss Isak will be in the next week.
“We are losing a very good player, who has done well at the start of the Premier League. It’s clear we wanted him with us, but it’s also something you’re used to as a footballer. There will be injuries. I have no doubt that we have replacements,” Claesson said.
Read more here.
READ MORE: Predict Newcastle United's run of fixtures until Qatar World Cup
Pope’s England chances
Former Arsenal goalkeeper David Seaman has praised Nick Pope’s start to life at Newcastle United but believes he is still England’s third choice goalkeeper. Pope made the switch from Burnley to St. James’ Park and has looked an assured presence in between the sticks, coming up with superb performances against the likes of Manchester City and Liverpool.
The 30-year-old has been one of the Premier League’s most reliable ‘keepers since taking the number one spot at Burnley, but has been capped just eight times by England. That is despite being called up to the squad several times, including for the 2018 World Cup.
Everton’s Jordan Pickford has been England’s first choice since the backend of 2017, and in his 45 appearances has rarely, if ever at all, let anyone down. It is for that reason, coupled with his recent form at Goodison Park, that Seaman believes there is ‘no doubt’ Pickford is England’s number one.
Read what Seaman said here.
Guimaraes
Bruno Guimaraes has revealed Eddie Howe helped him learn English when he first arrived on Tyneside. The Brazilian could not communicate with his new manager when he signed for Newcastle United nine months ago.
Joining from Lyon, the £35million man made it his key priority to learn English. Toon supporters have since been impressed by how quickly Guimaraes has grasped the language, with proficiency updates being posted on social media.
The 24-year-old conducted his first post-match interview in April after bagging a brace against Leicester City. Just three months after entering the country, Guimaraes’ dedication meant he could hold his own with a reporter.
Read what Bruno said here.
Barren spell
To put it bluntly: Newcastle United’s points tally is below par right now. Most supporters would agree that the current total does not reflect the level of performances witnessed so far this campaign.
Bournemouth aside, the Magpies have been pleasing on the eye in the opening seven games in 2022-23. However, just one win in seven paints a worrying picture. Should supporters be concerned?
Delving into the stats deeper - and not just looking at what is on the tin - provides promise on how Eddie Howe has implemented his style. Before his arrival, Newcastle averaged 38.25% possession - compared to 50.4% this season - despite facing Manchester City and Liverpool.
Read more here.
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