Isak speaks on Newcastle tactics following Tottenham thrashing

It was a memorable day for Alexander Isak, as he played a game that would haunt Tottenham Hotspur supporters for a long time as Newcastle United triumphed over the Lilywhites at the weekend.

That was truly sensational from Newcastle. It was arguably a better performance from the Magpies than last year’s somewhat bizarre dismantling of a team at its lowest point. It was different this time around; a confident Spurs visited St. James Park only to be outclassed in all aspects of the game. 

There has been some criticism surrounding that Tottenham’s performance, which is understandable given how Ange Postecoglou’s side had structural, tactical, and individual shortcomings. However, the hosts, on the day, were the complete opposite, as the North Londoners rode the wave of a high-flying Newcastle team.

It was a few tactical tweaks that caused problems for Tottenham, as Newcastle smartly intended to use one-on-one duels to their advantage, something they created with extreme precision throughout the game. 

Alexander Isak exposes Spurs, “We targeted their high line” says Swedish hitman

Speaking with tactical depth after the game, Arsenal’s strike target insisted that the Magpies were out to expose the high line that Tottenham play under Ange Postecoglou, something that they did highly successfully. The Swedish ace said, reflecting on the game (via. Vavel):

“The way the manager and his coaching staff set up the plan was excellent, and we executed it in a good way as well. I think because they played with a high backline, there’s a lot of space. I’ve been looking at myself in videos, and when I’m looking at my own game, it looks like I’m calmer than I actually am.”

“The chances on the pitch come and go quickly, but when I look back at myself, I sometimes see that I have all the time in the world.”

“I think he (Bruno Guimaraes) is excellent in all spaces of the pitch. There was one time in the first half when I ran deep, but he played me in short due to their high backline. You just have to time your runs, stay onside, and then, yeah, the passes are great.”

“I would say I’m more comfortable coming from the left-hand side and shooting, like my first goal today.”

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Reading Isak’s reflection speaks more about the game; he is spot on in conceding how Newcastle got better than Spurs at the weekend. It was about exploiting that high line with precise passes and runs that would confuse the defenders. 

The North Londoners can succumb to all the self-reflection following the game, as they have a couple of weeks before they play again. Tottenham face their North London rivals Arsenal when they get back on the pitch, and the Spurs faithful will hope that some rest and reflection will help their season as they look to finish in a traditional top-four and qualify for the Champions League.