A special episode of Football Daily has been released, as Alan Shearer sits down with Newcastle's in-form striker Alexander Isak.
The Swedish international explains why he's been scoring so many goals this season and also discusses his journey in football and how he grew up watching Spanish football.
He sheds light on his future plans in football and where he sees Newcastle finishing this season.
Image source, Getty ImagesNewcastle and Aston Villa have both been fined for their actions in their Premier League fixture at St James' Park on 26th December 2024.
A statement from the FA reads: "It was alleged that both clubs failed to ensure their players and/or technical area occupants did not behave in an improper and/or provocative way around the tunnel area at half time.
"It was also alleged that the Aston Villa analyst and Newcastle United assistant manager acted in an improper manner during the same incident. Both clubs and Victor Manas admitted to their respective charges, and Jason Tindall denied the allegation against him.
"The Regulatory Commission imposed a £30,000 fine and warning upon Aston Villa, a £20,000 fine and warning upon Newcastle United, and a two-match ground ban and £4,000 fine on Victor Manas. The Regulatory Commission found the charge against Jason Tindall to be not proven, and he will face no further action."
Image source, Getty ImagesAs I said on last week's Match of the Day, I feel that Alexander Isak has put himself into the 'world class' category now, with his performances for Newcastle over the past two seasons.
Along with Mohamed Salah at Liverpool and Manchester City's Erling Haaland, he is one of the three standout forwards we have got in the Premier League.
Sure, the other two have done it for longer in England, but Isak got 25 goals in all competitions last season, and has 19 already this campaign so he is bang on target to smash that total this time.
He's like an assassin, the way he puts chances away, but what I really liked from talking to him is that you can tell he is still looking for ways to improve his game at the age of 25.
I asked him for his favourite, or best, goal that he has scored so far this season, and you will have to watch to find out which one he chose, and why.
What I will tell you is that it was different to my pick, which was his powerful header against Arsenal in November. I saw that as a bit of a throwback goal, the kind that I used to love to score, and it came from what I'd describe as a dream delivery, too.
There was no nonsense from the winger, Anthony Gordon, who just whipped the cross in and it is a fantastic ball - a nightmare for the defenders and goalkeeper but for a forward it was perfect - early, with pace and whip on it. Isak did the rest, and we are getting used to seeing that now.
Phil Cartwright
BBC Sport journalist
Newcastle United boss Eddie Howe has been speaking to the media before Saturday's Premier League game against Fulham (kick-off 15:00 GMT).
Here are the key lines from his news conference:
Callum Wilson is closing in on a return from injury but the striker will not be involved against Fulham, while winger Harvey Barnes remains "two or three weeks away" from being fit again.
After Miguel Almiron's six-year spell at the club ended on Thursday, Howe praised the departed winger: "A very special player and a very special person who will be greatly missed by everyone connected with us. He's a very bubbly and bright personality but, behind the scenes, ultra professional. He did everything he could to be at his very best every day and, from my perspective, you can't have enough of those players who set the right standards."
Howe does not expect any other players to leave before Monday's transfer deadline. "Things can change, but as we stand at this moment I expect the squad to remain the same."
On potential incomings: "Barring something huge happening, we didn't expect it would be a window we would recruit in. That's still the case - we're not actively looking to bring players in. Hopefully, the squad will be in a decent place if we can get Callum and Harvey back."
On facing Fulham again after losing the reverse fixture in September: "It was a tough day - we didn't perform anywhere near where we can. It was a phase when we were struggling to reach our best form. In the Premier League, every team has really strong qualities and on the day they deserved to win."
Newcastle's previous home game was their 4-1 loss to Bournemouth and Howe is keen to remedy that result: "We definitely had that feeling going into the Southampton game of knowing we needed a big response. The players gave that. But that was an away game and we're coming back to the same environment where we didn't perform. We felt we let ourselves down in that moment so it's an opportunity to finally put that game to bed."
Follow all of Friday's Premier League news conferences and the rest of the day's football news
Image source, Getty ImagesWe asked how you were feeling following the news that Miguel Almiron has returned to Atlanta United after six years at Newcastle and asked for your standout moments from the Paraguayan.
Here are some of your comments:
Peter: Gracias por todos, Miggy! One of the most hard-working, honest players. I'll remember his smile most of all, and the celebration after he opened the scoring on that glorious night against Paris St-Germain.
Tim: A true club player who gave 110% in every game he played in. Scored our first goal in Europe in two decades and some other crackers as well in his time. He's had a good run and I for one wish him well for the future. A lovely lad as well. Good luck, Miggy!
Joff: Almiron epitomised everything that was exciting about the Toon team as it emerged from the doldrums of the Mike Ashley era. His effort and passion were on show every time he pulled the shirt on. We owe him. He will remain in all Toon hearts for a long time, in the same way as the likes of Nobby Solano and Cheick Tiote.
Ken: Only positive memories of Miggy. His work ethic was probably better than anyone, he was happy and always a smile and he scored some brilliant goals in our best season for years. The only downside was how some fans disrespected him on social media. It makes you ashamed of the fans at times. His love of Newcastle will ensure he will be remembered fondly and always be welcome in Newcastle.
Steve: Miggy let no one down, I just wished the club could have given him a final swansong this Saturday. He would have got the send-off with best wishes like no other. Will miss his smile.
Chris: Miggy was a real dynamo for us when we needed fighting spirit. He helped keep us up and always played his heart out. He loved Newcastle and we loved him back. I know we have to sell to move forward and I can only hope he is happy back in Atlanta.
Image source, PA MediaFormer Newcastle United scout and Crystal Palace adviser Paul Montgomery, speaking to BBC Radio Newcastle, external about the Magpies' pursuit of Palace and England centre-back Marc Guehi last summer:
"Michael Olise had to go [from Palace] because he had a clause in his contract. I wish Newcastle had taken him - he is a special player.
"Palace lost him and also Joachim Andersen, because of his age and the way the deal was to Fulham. The last thing they wanted to do was lose Guehi, who is a super professional.
"Speaking to the chairman [Steve Parish], he didn't want him to leave and he said the fee was £70m because he didn't want it done. Newcastle were in for him, Liverpool looked at the fee and said it was too much, but Newcastle came back.
"What I said to Steve was: 'You wanted £70m, but hang on to him as much as you can, because you'll still get £50m when he's got a year left [on his contract] at the end of the season. You'll lose £20m but you'll gain £130m because you'll stay in the league'."
Newcastle United have held talks with 18-year-old Spanish winger Antonio Cordero over a free transfer when his Malaga contract expires this summer. (Mail), external
Want more transfer stories? Read Friday's full gossip column
Image source, Getty ImagesNewcastle are unbeaten in their past eight Premier League home games against Fulham keeping six clean sheets in that run since a 1-0 loss in May 2009.
Newcastle United have won seven of their past eight Premier League matches, winning the most points of any side in that time (21), and with only Liverpool (25) scoring more goals (22).
Image source, Getty ImagesWinger Miguel Almiron is to re-join Major League Soccer outlet Atlanta United after six years at Newcastle.
The 30-year-old, who signed for the Magpies in January 2019, scored 23 goals and assisted eight in his 186 Premier League appearances for the club.
Almiron had been a prominent player in Eddie Howe's team over the years and played a part in the return of Champions League football to St James' Park, but this season he has featured just nine times in the league, with eight of those outings coming from the bench.
In total he has made 223 appearances across all competitions.
How are you feeling Newcastle fans? Sad to see him leave? Do you have a standout moment from his time at the club?
Image source, PA MediaWe asked you to tell us one thing that no one is talking about at Newcastle.
Here are some of your comments:
Warren: Lewis Hall is improving game on game and should definitely be in contention to be England's starting left-back if he keeps up this level until the end of the season. Looking more and more like a bargain.
Mark: Enough isn't being said about Murphy and his contributions to Isak's goals. How much longer before the "purple patch" is just recognised as a top-quality player feeding opportunities to Isak almost every game? Always loved the lad and his attitude. Really pleased to see his performances backing that up now.
Gareth: Murphy deserving an England call-up? With the amount of assists and the way he has played this season, he deserves a cap.
Kevin: Our starting 11 is as good as any other top team in England. Their quality, consistency and fitness is the reason why we have been on such a strong run in recent months. But if we lose a couple to a long-term injury, or a loss of form, our league position is at serious risk. We don't have good quality replacements available. Our lack of squad depth means we are at least four good transfer windows from challenging domestically and in Europe.
Benny: Isak's form has masked the fact that the team look tired. We love Howe's attacking style of play but for me some of the key players need a rest. Joelinton, Livramento and Hall in particular as they're just end-to-end all game.
Nat: Just how good Eddie Howe is at working with and improving players. Everyone is talking about the flashy players like Isak and Tonali (who have definitely both also improved under Eddie). But nobody talks about the unsung heroes of the team. These are players that were average in a Newcastle shirt before Eddie arrived. He transformed Joelinton from an underperforming striker to a mountain of a midfielder. Jacob Murphy is in the form of his life with a killer final ball. Lewis Hall is a different player from the kid that came to us on loan. All over the pitch, you can see players that have thrived under Eddie's coaching methods and it's beautiful to see!
Newcastle United are set to beat several Premier League clubs to the signing of 18-year-old winger and Republic of Ireland youth international Kyle Fitzgerald from Galway United. (Football Insider), external
Want more transfer stories? Read Thursday's full gossip column
Everyone is talking about Alexander Isak's form, which is helping to propel Eddie Howe's men towards a top-four place in the Premier League.
However, you know your club best, so we need you to tell us the one thing - good or bad - that nobody is talking about at Newcastle but really should be.
Charlotte Robson
Fan writer
Image source, Getty ImagesThe rollercoaster continues - we are back on track with a solid win at Southampton.
Can you imagine the head loss if not? It would have even left social media and spilled into real life (the real marker of serious issues).
This means we can slightly relax. Only slightly, though, because we are technically at half-time against Arsenal in our journey to a second cup final in three years. Can we do it? We are 2-0 up - but nothing is a given. Except Shay.
The story from the weekend is not the hum of anxiety about next week's Arsenal fixture, or even beating Southampton, but Miguel Almiron.
Almiron was subbed on at 88 minutes on Saturday for Anthony Gordon in what looks like his last minutes playing for the club. Reports suggest that very soon he will be rejoining Atlanta United in Major League Soccer.
Almiron is an interesting player. Fast and lean, he provided something new to our team when we needed it in 2019. He joined us in the January transfer window that season for about £21m. Back then, that was Newcastle's transfer record. Let that sink in when you think about how far we have come.
In the 2022-23 campaign, Almiron went on a run of scoring in five out of six wins for Newcastle, and provided many of the assists that helped win the games. This 'purple patch' is remembered fondly across the fanbase.
He has not always been brilliant, but he was there when we needed him. We qualified for the Champions League that season.
After Saturday's game, the players took their customary appreciation moment for the travelling fans.
Eddie Howe took that opportunity - as he did with Sandro Tonali right before his ban - to put 'Miggy' front and centre. He offered the fans the chance to thank this player, and they sang his name.
Find more from Charlotte Robson at the True Faith: Newcastle United Podcast, external
Newcastle are interested in Bournemouth's Ukraine international defender Illia Zabarnyi, 22, but know a deal will not be possible until the summer. (i Paper, external)
Want more transfer stories? Read Tuesday's full gossip column
Image source, Getty ImagesWe asked for your thoughts after Saturday's Premier League game between Southampton and Newcastle.
Here are some of your comments:
Saints fans
Ben: One of those matches where we get reminded that other teams are just better than us in every way. Nobody had an absolute howler, but Newcastle were still able to nullify us without leaving third gear. I'm looking forward to no VAR next season. The way it is implemented is disgusting.
Darryl: I think most of us have given up with this season. I can't believe how poor we have been. In all honesty, we got promoted probably a season too early. It's not fun loosing every week!
Daz: Absolute rubbish yet again! Sack the lot and bring in the under-21s. I guarantee they would do better. Why do the Saints' board bring in a manager that was sacked from his last job due to bad performance when what we needed was a proven manager with Premier League experience? We could have had Graham Potter or David Moyes. We have bought players with little or no Premier League experience and I think everyone from the board downwards needs a clearout. It's an embarrassing time to be a Saints supporter.
David: We have only four players that are the standard to play in the Premier League when most teams have a bench full. This, I'm afraid, is our problem - we've needed a striker for three years. We are relegation favourites and at times our play is pitiful.
Newcastle fans
Anth: Getting back on the 'winning horse' was vital to ensure our Champions League ambitions are still alive and kicking. To overcome a shaky start and push on to a solid performance gets our mojo firing once more especially with important games appearing on the horizon. Well played boys - onwards and upwards!
Si: Great comeback performance following last week's humbling at the hands of Bournemouth. This showed the resilience in the team and Eddie Howe's trust they could come back and perform following a crushing defeat. We seemed to take the foot off the throttle at 3-1 which maybe showed naivety, playing the bottom side. Overall a professional performance that keeps alive our hopes of a top-four place.
Tommy: After the last game, I expected that kind of response. It wasn't our best performance but clearly it was extremely pleasant to see. Sandro Tonali is awesome and Alexander Isak unstoppable. Onwards and upwards for the Toon Army.
Kevin: Newcastle won the game without getting out of third gear. Didn't panic at 1-0 down early on. Dan Burn and Fabian Schar give better balance in defence. Clinical and professional performance.
Chris Collinson
BBC Sport statistician
Image source, Getty ImagesNewcastle's Alexander Isak is the most in-form striker in the Premier League.
The Sweden international has scored 13 goals in 10 league games since the start of December, which is four more than Liverpool's Mohamed Salah.
Out of players to take at least five shots, he has the best shot conversion rate of 42 percent in that time from 31 shots.
He has scored a Premier League goal every 65 minutes in this run and is the hottest striker at the moment by some distance as the closest to him is again Salah who averages a goal every 99 minutes.
Last season, Isak scored 21 goals in 30 games and he is set for another successful campaign with his current standings at 17 in 21 matches.
Highlights and analysis from Saturday's six Premier League fixtures are now available to watch.
If you missed Match of the Day, you can catch up now on BBC iPlayer.
Listen back to full match commentaries on BBC Sounds:
