Alexander Isak’s return to St James’ Park could hardly have gone worse from an individual perspective. The Liverpool striker was completely anonymous as the Reds were held to a dramatic 2-2 draw by Newcastle, raising immediate questions for Fantasy Premier League managers who invested £9m in him. However, despite his disappointing Gameweek 1 display, there are several reasons why FPL managers should resist the temptation to sell Isak immediately.
Newcastle 2-2 Liverpool: Match Summary
Andoni Iraola’s Liverpool were forced to settle for a point after a chaotic encounter at St James’ Park. Newcastle took an early lead through Anthony Elanga in the fifth minute after capitalising on a Liverpool defensive mistake. The Reds eventually responded after half-time, with Cody Gakpo equalising in the 55th minute.
However, Newcastle restored their advantage just two minutes later through Joe Willock, leaving Liverpool facing defeat. The visitors ultimately rescued a point in the ninth minute of stoppage time when Dominik Szoboszlai converted a penalty after Victor Muñoz was brought down inside the box.
For Isak, though, it was a night to forget.
Isak Completely Anonymous on Newcastle Return
The biggest disappointment for Liverpool FPL managers was undoubtedly Isak. Returning to the club where he was once adored, the Swedish striker struggled to make any meaningful impact and was largely anonymous throughout the match.
The atmosphere was always going to be difficult following his controversial £125m British-record move to Liverpool. Newcastle supporters made their feelings abundantly clear, with Isak receiving a hostile reception throughout the game.
Rather than responding to the boos with a decisive performance, Isak looked overwhelmed by the occasion. His weak header late in the game summed up a frustrating evening in front of his former supporters.
But this is where FPL managers need to look beyond one difficult fixture.
Isak’s Fitness Is the Biggest Positive
Isak endured an extremely difficult first season at Liverpool following his British-record transfer from Newcastle. Injury problems severely disrupted his campaign, including a serious leg fracture that required surgery and kept him out for almost four months. He eventually managed just four goals in an injury-affected season and featured in only 21% of Liverpool’s Premier League minutes.
Therefore, one major positive from Newcastle is that Iraola trusted Isak to play the full 90 minutes.
That is significant.
After such a prolonged period of fitness problems, completing an entire Premier League match suggests that the physical side of Isak’s recovery is finally approaching where it needs to be. Iraola himself described the Newcastle game as a good step for the striker.
Now, all that is really missing is the goal.
Isak Could Be Suffering a Mental Block
For elite forwards, confidence can be everything. Even world-class strikers can experience periods where a prolonged goal drought begins to affect their decision-making and overall confidence.
Cristiano Ronaldo experienced similar struggles during his Real Madrid prime, including a 613-minute Champions League drought despite being one of the greatest goalscorers in football history.
Isak’s situation is understandable. He has already endured a nightmare first season, battled significant injuries, completed a huge transfer and then returned to St James’ Park to face the supporters who once worshipped him but were now determined to make his evening miserable.
That combination could easily have affected him psychologically.
The fitness question may now be disappearing after his 90-minute performance. The next step is simply finding the back of the net.
Nottingham Forest Could Be the Perfect Opportunity
Liverpool’s next Premier League fixture is at Anfield against Nottingham Forest, who are adjusting to life under new manager Oliver Glasner.
On paper, it represents exactly the kind of fixture Isak needs.
He does not necessarily need a spectacular performance. He may simply need one goal.
A goal at Anfield could immediately lift the pressure, restore his confidence and potentially trigger the run of form Liverpool spent £125m securing him for.
Liverpool FPL Verdict: Hold Isak
Should you sell Isak? No.
Should you buy him if you don't own him? Also no, for now.
Despite the attractive Nottingham Forest fixture, there is not enough evidence after one gameweek to justify bringing Isak into your FPL team. However, selling him after investing £9m would be an equally rash decision.
Managers should be patient and give Isak another gameweek to show what he can do. The physical signs are encouraging; Liverpool will play at Anfield, and there remains a world-class striker underneath the difficult start.
FPL verdict: Hold Isak and reassess after Gameweek 2. One goal could be all he needs to finally unlock the player Liverpool bought.
