ISAK DEFIES STATS TO SPUR TOON ON

Magpies ride luck before Alex lands sucker punch

- Simon Bird

THEY may not have signed a new star during the transfer window but Alexander Isak remains a gem.

Against the odds, and all logic shown by the statistics, Isak struck late to give Newcastle a barely deserved win.

Spurs had racked up 20 shots on goal, 49 touches in Newcastle's box, and were threatening to run riot and get a winner of their own.

Except Isak, and a resilient, more defensive, soak-up-thepressure Newcastle had other ideas.

Newcastle have become grinders but, four games in, the team are unbeaten. They frustrated a livelier Spurs and showed a ruthlessness on the break that wins matches. Eddie Howe's men have scored three goals at home from four shots on target.

No wonder Yves Bissouma left the field and shouted, "F***" as he was subbed.