Newcastle United

Phil Cartwright
BBC Sport journalist

Alexander Isak's double against Wolves on Wednesday meant the Newcastle striker became only the fourth player in history to score in eight consecutive Premier League matches.

Ruud van Nistelrooy and Jamie Vardy both did it twice, while Daniel Sturridge also managed it during his time at Liverpool.

Five of Newcastle's eight opponents during Isak's scoring run have been against teams that, at time of writing, are in the bottom eight; Leicester, Ipswich, Manchester United, Tottenham and Wolves.

But do not be fooled into thinking he is merely a 'flat-track bully'.

The Sweden international netted a long-range stunner against leaders Liverpool, found the net in a home win over Champions League side Aston Villa and also scored in the Magpies' Carabao Cup semi-final first leg victory at Arsenal.

Looking at Newcastle's upcoming opponents and with Eddie Howe's side in top form, Vardy's record of scoring in 11 successive Premier League games could be under threat.

Injury-hit Bournemouth visit St James' Park on Saturday, a game which is followed by a trip to bottom club Southampton (25 January) and a home fixture against a Fulham side that has kept only one clean sheet in their past 10 Premier League outings (1 February).

Should Isak score in all three games, he could break Vardy's record when Newcastle go to champions Manchester City on 15 February.

Image source, Getty Images

We asked for your thoughts after Wednesday's Premier League game between Newcastle and Wolves.

Here are some of your comments:

Paul: The whole team is solid with no weaknesses. The bench also looks strong. With no Champions League or European distractions we will challenge for two cups and the league this year. Our owners, Eddie and his back room staff are getting it spot on.

Alvin: Six straight Premier League wins and nine in all competitions! I'm delirious with a level of irrational exuberance not felt since the days of Kevin Keegan. Alexander Isak and Anthony Gordon seem to share a telepathic, goal-producing link, and the Tonali-Bruno partnership just keeps getting better. And do we sell Dubravka now that he suddenly looks like prime Buffon? Does he stay as No.1 or does Nick Pope come straight back in when he's fit? Guess we'll cross the bridge when we get there, but in the meantime I'm in dreamland.

Utsav: It has been an incredible run and Eddie Howe deserves immense credit for this transformation. He has masterfully devised a system that maximises the potential of every individual in the team, ensuring they perform at their absolute peak. The unity and determination in their gameplay is evident, and the results speak for themselves. Looking at their January fixture list, there's every reason to believe this outstanding form will continue. They have scored 26 goals while conceding just three in that run which is no small feat—it's a testament to their attacking flair and defensive solidity. They are truly on a roll. If fans and pundits believe Forest and Arsenal are legitimate contenders in the title race, then Newcastle must absolutely be included in that conversation now. Their consistency, resilience, and hunger for success make them serious challengers. Howe's men are showing they belong at the top.

Wolves fans

Col: Utterly toothless. It was like watching a cup game between two teams in a different division. Strand Larsen is a prolific misser of chances and the defence is leakier than a sieve. Relegation looms.

Geoff: At the moment Wolves are, in all but name, a Championship side. There certainly isn't 90 minute signs of a Premier League side. There are maybe two or three players only of that quality!

Tom: Despite the result, Wolves are creating enough chances but just cannot convert these efforts into goals. Newcastle have a world class striker who took his chances and knows where the net is. Silly mistakes are the story of our season, and we were punished again. VP will get us over the line come May.

Alan Shearer believes Newcastle "have got the system working" and with Alexander Isak, the Magpies "have a chance" of being considered in the title race.

After beating Wolves on Wednesday night, Eddie Howe's side made it six consecutive Premier League wins and nine in all competitions.

Shearer was asked on Match of the Day if he thought the gap to top of the table Liverpool was too much.

"No it's not," he answered. "The form they're in, the way they're looking - defensively solid, clean sheets.

"Midfield - there's no doubt they've got the system going.

"And, with him [Alexander Isak] up front, they've got a chance."

Did you know?

This was Eddie Howe's second run of six consecutive Premier League wins with Newcastle, becoming only the second English manager in Premier League history to have two separate runs of six or more wins in a row, after Kevin Keegan who had three during his first spell with Newcastle (two in 1994, one in 1996).

Catch up with Match of the Day on BBC iPlayer.

Newcastle have rejected a bid of £11m from Fenerbahce for 26-year-old English defender Lloyd Kelly. (Athletic), external

MLS side Atlanta United are hoping to reunite with Paraguay midfielder Miguel Almiron, 30, and could pay Newcastle in the region of £11m. (Athletic), external

Want more transfer stories? Read Thursday's full gossip column

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Watch highlights and analysis from eight midweek Premier League fixtures.

If you missed Match of the Day, you can catch up now on BBC iPlayer.

Listen back to full match commentaries on BBC Sounds:

• Chelsea 2-2 Bournemouth

• Nottingham Forest 1-1 Liverpool

• Everton 0-1 Aston Villa

Matthew Howarth
BBC Sport journalist

Image source, Getty Images

Newcastle were 12th in the table in early December but a club record-equalling ninth straight win in all competitions has catapulted them back into the top four for the first time since September.

Alexander Isak continued his scintillating form with two more goals, becoming the first Newcastle player to score in eight successive Premier League games - and the fourth in the division's history after Ruud van Nistelrooy, Daniel Sturridge and Jamie Vardy.

There was to be no hat-trick but the 25-year-old was heavily involved in Newcastle's third of the evening, showing tremendous composure to pick out Anthony Gordon after his initial delivery was deflected back into his path.

Goalkeeper Martin Dubravka, celebrating his 36th birthday, marked the occasion with a sensational late save at the feet of Jorgen Strand Larsen, deflecting the Norway striker's shot against the woodwork as the home side completed their first league double over Wolves in 119 years.

Image source, Getty Images

Newcastle boss Eddie Howe, speaking to MOTD: "We had to be patient and we had to play a different way slightly.

"We had a lot of the ball in the first half, we knew Wolves would be stubborn opponents. We got a lucky break with the first goal but overall I think we deserved it.

"Depending on how the game pans out you need different ways to win. The first goal was so important today, we had a few scares today, Wolves are difficult to play against.

"Overall, can't be too picky, it is nine wins in a row now. We know we can play better than today, we did enough of the detailed work to get the win.

"There's a lot to be positive about and a lot to improve."

On Alexander Isak: "It is one of his biggest strengths - his composure and level of finishing is at the highest level. He has the extra second of composure that players at the top level have."

Image source, Getty Images

Newcastle striker Alexander Isak, speaking to MOTD: "I feel amazing. Individually I feel free and confident but looking at the team we are doing so well as well, defending and with threats going forward.

"It is a team and I have to keep contributing with goals.

"When we play at our best the players will feel free. In my position as well I want to be able to express myself in the best way I can.

"Records are things you enjoy after your career. I go into every game with the same mentality - to score goals as that helps the team.

"I wouldn't say. It is about the team. We have been really good. I am happy to be a part of it."

Defender Sven Botman, speaking to PLP: "It is always nice to have people who can make goals out of nowhere.

"I am very happy for Alexander Isak [to score in eight Premier League games in a row]. The record for the Premier League is a bit higher so he should be looking at that now.

"The season is long but we have big targets. If we want to reach that you can see other teams are winning as well."

Were you at the game or following from elsewhere?

Have your say on Newcastle's performance

What did you make of Wolves' display?

Come back to this page on Thursday to find a selection of your replies

There are four Premier League fixtures on Wednesday and we will bring you every moment.

• Everton v Aston Villa - listen on the BBC Sport website and app

• Leicester v Crystal Palace - listen on the BBC Sport website and app

• Newcastle v Wolves - listen on BBC Radio 5 Sports Extra

• Arsenal v Tottenham (20:00) - listen on BBC Radio 5 Live

All kick-off times 19:30 GMT unless stated

Follow all of the action and reaction here

Pat Nevin
Former footballer and presenter

Image source, Getty Images

I was at St James's Park on Sunday and just for a few minutes the possibility of an extraordinary upset was on the cards after Cameron Congreve scored to give Bromley the lead.

Instead, I came away thinking the Magpies could now have one of their finest seasons in living memory.

They are 2-0 up in the Carabao Cup semi-final after the first leg against Arsenal and are sitting fifth in the Premier League after winning eight matches in a row. They are on serious a roll and that could continue with four of their next five league games at home - and that solitary away encounter against struggling Southampton.

Crucially, they have a depth of squad that is the equal of anyone else.

Alexander Isak is the country's in-form striker, but Will Osula, after scoring his first goal for the club, looks like he could become an able deputy.

All nine stand-ins are well capable of doing a decent job when others are injured, tired, suspended or just dipping in form.

On top of this, midfielder Lewis Miley looks like the next young English superstar to make a breakthrough.

After a long lay-off with injury, he was man of the match, controlled the midfield and scored a cracker as well. He was also the most composed player on view.

He has looked this good every time I have watched him and he is still only 18.

Eddie Howe is trying to keep his profile fairly low key, but, trust me, Miley is special.

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This is pretty straightforward as far as predictions go.

Newcastle are on for a domestic Treble this season - well, on current form anyway - and I do not see their eight-game winning streak stopping here.

Wolves had made a good start under new boss Vitor Pereira but they had their bubble burst by Nottingham Forest in their last league game, and I do not see them dealing with the Magpies' firepower.

Alexander Isak and Anthony Gordon have been great and Jacob Murphy is absolutely flying. I am really pleased for Murphy because a lot of people forget about him - but I haven't, I have got him in my Fantasy team.

Sutton's prediction: 3-0

Read the full predictions and have your say here

Newcastle have been looking at 27-year-old England and AC Milan centre-back Fikayo Tomori. (Football Insider, external)

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Matthew Raisbeck
BBC Radio Newcastle reporter

Image source, Getty Images

The Magpies were under PSR pressure last summer when, in a frantic, late attempt to avoid sanctions, they reluctantly sold young academy graduate players Elliot Anderson and Yankuba Minteh for more than £60m combined.

CEO Darren Eales later said: "We do not want to be leaving ourselves in that situation again in such tight circumstances."

While two significant sales gave them a little more headroom, PSR continues to restrict their ability to spend big - and it now seems likely they will go through a third transfer window without making a major signing.

But, most importantly for Eddie Howe and the Newcastle fans, they do not have to sell star names like Alexander Isak, Bruno Guimaraes and Anthony Gordon to balance the books.

Howe said on Tuesday: "I think the club were educated last year. For us what happened last year was very difficult. It had a knock-on effect on what happened in the summer; PSR continues to affect our decision-making, whether that is a contract renewal - or whatever the situation regarding our squad - we have to think long and hard about making a decision."

Listen to full commentary on every Newcastle United game, and have your say on the Magpies on Total Sport North East every weeknight from 18:00, on BBC Radio Newcastle.

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Image source, Getty Images

Wolves have lost their past three Premier League away games against Newcastle and have never kept a clean sheet in nine visits to St James' Park in the division.

Nat Hayward
BBC Sport journalist

Newcastle United boss Eddie Howe has been speaking to the media before Wednesday's Premier League game against Wolves (19:30).

Here are the key lines from his news conference:

• Howe confirmed Joe Willock and Jacob Murphy are expected to be fine after being rested for Sunday's FA Cup win over Bromley, while Alexander Isak will train today for the first time since last week's win at Arsenal. However, Harvey Barnes is ruled out for "around a month" with a thigh injury.

• He also updated on defender Sven Botman who was rested at the weekend: "After two big physical games with Sven, we needed to rest and recover. There was a few warning signs that he was going into a fatigue. Then of course, you need to get back up and running again because the schedule is unrelenting."

• When asked if Newcastle are at risk of profit and sustainability rule [PSR] breaches with the Premier League set to announce the clubs charged today: "No, I don't believe we are."

• Newcastle made it eight wins in a row in all competitions for the first time in 20 years with victory against Bromley but Howe would not be drawn on that: "I don't think we can look two games ahead. For me it's always one step ahead, making sure we approach the game in the right way. There's dangers to winning games, warning signs you need to be aware of."

• Also, striker Isak could set a club record by scoring in eight straight Premier League games: "He'll be desperate to play of course. I'd love Alex to continue to score but the most important thing for me is the team is functioning well for him and he's functioning well for the team. The two go hand in hand."

• The boss also said there is "no change" in the situation surrounding Martin Dubravka's future: "Discussions will take place but I'm not directly involved in that".

• He also added there has been "no change" to his initial assessment that it will be a quiet January transfer window.

• On opponents Wolves: "Vitor Pereira has connected with the players very quickly - I think you can see that. They're playing with confidence and that shows with their form. They look a settled team with a clear identity. They will be very dangerous opponents"

Follow all of Tuesday's Premier League news conferences and the rest of the day's football news

Commentary of Newcastle v Wolves will be available on the BBC Sport website from 19:30 GMT on Wednesday as part of our live coverage of the Premier League's midweek fixtures

Charlotte Robson
Fan writer

Image source, Getty Images

Another day, another win. Is this what life is like for fans of good clubs? Great clubs?

The win may have been over League Two Bromley, but who really cares? Tamworth held Tottenham to 0-0 for 90 minutes.

I will take whatever wins we can get - and progress in another cup. Salad days for Newcastle fans.

Eddie Howe made nine changes for Sunday's FA Cup fixture, with only Martin Dubravka and Joelinton from our regular XI keeping their places.

This meant it was a good time to showcase some of our younger players, and lesser-seen players, providing the game was put to bed.

Unfortunately, by half-time, it was not, so Anthony Gordon and Bruno Guimaraes came on to fix that. They did their job very effectively, and their presence on the pitch elevated our game such that we were able to see other players shine.

Will Osula, a summer signing from Sheffield United, finally got his first goal for the team. Newcastle United have a dearth of strikers - Callum Wilson, unfortunately, is injured almost all of the time (though good when he is fit!), which basically just leaves Alexander Isak.

Fans have been keen to see the development of Osula under Eddie Howe, who has a track record of really honing player ability over a long period of time - assessing the natural skill and working on it.

He does not throw players in if he does not think they are ready. Lewis Hall, for example, said he was not fit enough last season to play Howe's style of football - and now he's arguably England's best left-back.

Osula's goal certainly showed a glimmer of what might be to come. It is very early to say, but it was a real showcase of skill. It wasn't a scuffle in front of goal, or a flukey pass. It was a beautiful, left-footed strike from just inside the box.

Hopefully much more to come from this player for Newcastle.

Find more from Charlotte Robson at the True Faith: Newcastle United Podcast, external