SLOT IN AT ANFIELD? HAVE TO BRUSH LIP

Eddie will use his know-Howe to fill gap left by Swede

- BY IAN MURTAGH

NEWCASTLE fans fretting about life without Alexander Isak need not despair.

Under manager Eddie Howe's shrewd leadership, the Magpies have done pretty well without their wantaway striker.

In fact, since the Swede arrived from Real Sociedad in August 2022, Newcastle have actually averaged more points per game without him than with him leading their attack.

As the saying goes, there are lies, damned lies and statistics and no one is pretending the Geordies are a better side when Isak is out.

Their win percentage is 51.2 percent with Isak involved and 48 percent when he's not.

They also pose more of a goal threat when he plays.

But it’s far from doom and gloom in his absence.