Alexander Isak Continues To Haunt Arsenal For Reminding The Figure Of Thierry Henry

Alexander Isak made Arsenal interested (Instagram/@alex_isak) even more.

JAKARTA - The signs are getting more and more difficult to ignore for Arsenal. Whether it's a view of player number 14, Alexander Isak, who destroyed the Gunners' defense or Anthony Gordon who actually imitated the celebration of Thierry Henry's corner flag.

Pengadiran tentang Henry muncul saat Arsenal kalah 0-2 dari Newcastle United di Stadion Emirates pada semifinal leg pertama Carabao Cup, Rabu, 8 Januari 2025, dini hari WIB.

On the other hand, Arsenal's finish at the Emirates Stadium was very bad. They are wasteful by wasting many opportunities, which are a factor in the defeat.

The fact that Arsenal were shown how to score goals by Alexander Isak made it possible for the striker to move to Emirates closer to reality.

The player with number 14, who reminded the figure of Henry, has been monitored for a long time until now by Arsenal.

Isak clearly still has to take a long way to match Henry's status in the game. However, with his current performance, he may be the best striker in England and maybe more than that.

His 14th goal, when he opened Newcastle's lead at the Emirates, from his last 15 games thanks to luck as Jacob Murphy tried to control outreach Botman's pass.

However, the Swedish international accidentally found a wild ball that Murphy failed to control perfectly and immediately opened a deadly shot in the penalty box.

Isak then made a chance that led to the Magpies' second goal. His shot was parried by David Raya, but the ball was thrown up by Gordon.

The 25-year-old then celebrated the corner-kick flag which again reminded him of Henry.

These two moments can strengthen Arsenal that the sign of signing Isak is the right thing.

"I think (he's the best striker in Europe). I think everyone agrees with that. He's excited."

"In fact, for my goal. I just need to stand at the far post," Anthony Gordon said of Isak to ITV Sport.

Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta also agreed. The pressure to realize Isak's move was getting stronger.

"He was also involved in both goals. Unfortunately, twice he controlled the ball in the penalty box and that's what happens when you have real quality up front."

"They can make a difference. They are very clinical," Arteta said after the match.

The insistence that Arsenal maneuver actively in the Januar 2025 transfer market, especially against Isak or similar attackers, is increasing now.

Moreover, the list of missed chances in the match against Newcastle will continue to be remembered as the reason why the Gunners desperately need predator strikers.

Moreover, Arteta's dream this season is big by carrying out the target of winning the first Premier League after two decades.

The density of Arsenal's front lines began to sound the alarm. Just look right before the 30th minute, Gabriel Martinelli ran fast towards the net from Leandro Trossard's through ball. The Brazilian's effort hit the post.

Kai Havertz and Gabriel Magalhaes' shots were also blocked. Perhaps the most surprising failure occurred at 0-2 when Trossard's cross was deflected onto the Havertz line.

However, almost in a slow motion, Havertz failed to strike the ball perfectly, making the ball wide from the left post of the Martin Dubravka goal.

Newcastle pulled Isak over the past 25 minutes with a hamstring injury, stopping the game through a series of changes that saw them play a 5-5-0 formation when Arsenal gradually ran out of ideas.

The Gunners then ended the game with statistics hoping for a goal of 3.12. It was the highest score by the Premier League team in any game this season without scoring a goal.

Of all their chances, 23 shots, they only managed three times on target and only one of them came from open play.

"If you look at what both teams have produced and its dominance, it's not a result that reflects the game's story."

"However, the reality is that they are very efficient with the opportunities they have and we don't."

"At this level, in a scenario like this you need to force yourself to win again," said Arteta.

The funny thing is, instead of finding a solution to the problem, Arteta even commented on the ball used in the Carabao Cup when asked whether the many opportunities for waste will affect the team's psychology or not.

"Nothing, just trying and showing them, giving them tips about what we can do better."

"I thought we kicked a lot of balls over the crossbar and it was difficult: this ball flew a lot."

"We also discussed it so that there are details we can do better. But, in the end, it's over."

"This is not a way back, it's about the next game. That's our world," said the Spaniard.

The Puma Ball in the Carabao Cup is different from the Nike products commonly used in the Premier League.

However, the ball doesn't seem to be a problem for Isak. He has now scored 50 goals for Newcastle in all competitions.

Since debuting in August 2022, only Erling Haaland (105) and Mohamed Salah (73) have scored more goals in all competitions among Premier League players.

Newcastle fans will love to argue with the theory that Isak had to leave the club to win trophies.

Speculation about a price of 150 million will likely discourage enthusiasts this month.

However, the prospects for the Carabao Cup final - the second leg semifinal at St James' Park took place two days after the winter transfer window closed - becoming another attraction for Isak to stay afloat.

Since 1987/1988, statistics show that there are nine teams that have won two goals after winning away in the first leg of the semifinals. Eight of them had the opportunity to advance to the final.

"It's brilliant. I think every team needs a good striker," said Newcastle Manager Eddie Howe, reflecting on that half-century historical record.

Shortly after Isak was replaced, Arteta looked at Newcastle's dressing room. He might also think about the same thing.