By Charles Igwe
Alexander Isak delivered another masterclass, scoring twice and providing an assist as Newcastle United equalled their club record of nine consecutive wins in all competitions with a commanding 3-0 victory over Wolves. The Swedish forward, who is in sensational form, opened the scoring with a deflected strike off Rayan Ait-Nouri, becoming the first Newcastle player to score in eight consecutive Premier League games. His second goal came early in the second half, and his assist for Anthony Gordon’s clinching effort sealed the Magpies’ ascent into the top four.
Newcastle created the better chances in the opening period, with Jacob Murphy testing Wolves goalkeeper Jose Sa twice and Isak narrowly missing the near post before his opener. The breakthrough came in the 28th minute when Isak’s deflected shot found the back of the net, giving the hosts a deserved lead. Wolves nearly equalized late in the half, with Jorgen Strand Larsen’s effort brushing the outside of the post, but Newcastle went into the break ahead.
Isak doubled Newcastle’s lead 11 minutes into the second half, latching onto a brilliant Bruno Guimaraes pass. His exquisite first touch set up the chance, and his clinical finish left Sa with no chance. The 25-year-old, chasing a hat-trick, turned provider in the 74th minute. After his initial cross was deflected back to him, Isak displayed poise to pick out an unmarked Anthony Gordon, who slotted home Newcastle’s third goal.
Wolves threatened late, with Santiago Bueno bundling the ball into the net only for the goal to be disallowed. Strand Larsen nearly pulled one back, but Newcastle goalkeeper Martin Dubravka, celebrating his 36th birthday, produced a stunning save, deflecting the shot onto the woodwork to preserve the clean sheet.
The victory marked Newcastle’s first league double over Wolves in 119 years and lifted Eddie Howe’s side into the Champions League spots for the first time since September. Isak’s form continues to break records; he joins the elite group of players to score in eight consecutive Premier League games, a feat previously achieved only by Ruud van Nistelrooy, Daniel Sturridge, and Jamie Vardy.
Newcastle’s rise to the top four is all the more impressive given their position in early December, sitting 12th in the table. The resurgence has been driven by standout performances from Isak, Bruno Guimaraes, and Sandro Tonali, who once again controlled the tempo of the game with a commanding midfield display. With their ninth consecutive win, the Magpies continue to solidify their status as genuine contenders for a Champions League spot. Meanwhile, Wolves’ loss saw them slip into the relegation zone on goal difference, highlighting the contrasting fortunes of the two clubs.
