Compromise is needed to salvage dire Isak situation

Eddie Howe’s Magpies face a crisis in attack, with Anthony Gordon suspended and Alexander Isak not ready to return after pushing for a move to Liverpool

- Richard Jolly

About a quarter of an hour after the breathless conclusion to a crazy game, Yasir al-Rumayyan made his way into and up the Milburn Stand. The name is proof Newcastle United celebrate their goalscorers, just as the statue of Alan Shearer is.

But this summer has been dominated by a forward who, if he gets his way, won't end up with a double century of Newcastle goals. The landscape of St James' Park now includes the pitchside hoardings advertising the Saudi Public Investment Fund. Al-Rumayyan is its governor as well as Newcastle's chairman. His various duties mean he is an infrequent sight at their games. He picked an August meeting with Liverpool to attend. “I don’t know why he is here,” said Eddie Howe, before quickly pivoting to say his presence was appreciated.

It was nevertheless an illustration that Howe has been sidelined in a saga. He will not determine Alexander Isak’s future. He was unaware whether directors Jamie Reuben and Jacobo Solis had met the sulking striker on Monday. He was concentrating on those players still actually at his disposal. “Naturally, I want players that are committed to Newcastle,” he said, having received a sweat-soaked illustration that the rest are.