Newcastle United striker Alexander Isak has admitted he is working on improving his heading ability following his impressive bullet header against Arsenal, which helped secure a 1-0 win for the Magpies at St James’ Park. The Swedish international rose above the Arsenal defenders to meet a precise cross from Anthony Gordon, giving Newcastle an early lead and ultimately ensuring the team secured back-to-back home victories.
Isak has been a consistent goalscorer for Newcastle since joining the club in 2022. With 39 goals to his name in black and white, he has established himself as one of the club’s key attacking threats. However, while his goal tally is impressive, only three of those goals have come from headers, highlighting an area in which Isak feels he can still improve. The striker has now made it clear that he has been working diligently on his heading technique and aerial ability, recognizing that enhancing this part of his game could have a significant impact on his overall performance.
Speaking after the Arsenal match, Isak explained how much he values the opportunity to develop this aspect of his game: “We work on that,” he said. “Heading is not my strongest area, but it’s something I can definitely improve. If I can get better at those types of goals, it will only benefit me and my team.”
In the aftermath of the game, manager Eddie Howe spoke about the improvements he has seen from some of the players behind the scenes, with several individuals, including Lewis Hall, putting in extra effort during double training sessions and analysing their performances post-training. This emphasis on development has clearly extended to Isak, who is keen to continue evolving as a player.
Isak’s header against Arsenal was undoubtedly one of his best finishes of the season, and it came at an important time for the team. The goal was the only one of the match, and it was a well-executed effort that demonstrated his ability to be dangerous in the air, despite this being a relatively rare area of his game. The precision of the header, directed past Arsenal goalkeeper David Raya, was made possible by a superb cross from Anthony Gordon, who provided the perfect delivery from the right wing. Gordon’s cross caught everyone off guard, including the Arsenal defence, and Isak was in the right place at the right time to score.
“The cross was perfect,” Isak reflected. “I just had to jump and get my head on the ball. Credit to Anthony for that ball in. He made my job a lot easier.” Gordon, who has regularly played on the left wing for Newcastle, was again deployed on the right in this match, and his assist showcased his versatility and ability to deliver quality crosses, no matter which flank he is operating from. The precision of his delivery left Arsenal’s defenders with little time to react, and Isak was quick to capitalize on the opportunity.
The goal not only gave Newcastle an important lead but also ended a difficult spell for the team in the Premier League. Following a series of disappointing results, the win against Arsenal was a much-needed boost for the Magpies, and Isak is hopeful that this victory can help his side build momentum as they aim to improve their league position. “We’ve had a rough spell in the Premier League,” Isak admitted. “But hopefully, this win can be the start of something positive for us. It’s a big win, and it gives us a lot of confidence moving forward.”
Isak’s recent form has been encouraging. He has now scored 12 goals in his last 12 appearances at St James’ Park, and with three goals in his last three matches across all competitions, it seems as though the forward is finding his rhythm after a slow start to the season. The striker has often been the focal point of Newcastle’s attack, and his contributions in front of goal have been vital to the team’s success. With his work ethic and determination to improve, Isak appears poised to continue his development and build on his already impressive goal-scoring record.
As Newcastle looks to continue their climb up the Premier League table, Isak’s focus on improving his heading ability could prove to be a key factor in the team’s future success. With his overall skill set and commitment to refining his game, the Swedish striker is determined to play a central role in helping the Magpies achieve their ambitions this season.
