Owen's Warning After Draw

Michael Owen did not hold back in his assessment of Alexander Isak's performance as Liverpool were held to a 2-2 draw by Newcastle United at St James' Park on Sunday (August 23).

Isak, who returned to his former club for the first time since his £125million transfer to Anfield, was jeered by home supporters throughout. He completed a full match for the first time since joining Liverpool, on his 23rd appearance, having missed four months with a broken leg before returning in April.

Speaking on talkSPORT, Owen said: "I know how hard it is to get back and you do need time. He has been given plenty of time – he finished the season in the team, then went to the World Cup and has had a pre-season. Now he is starting to run out of excuses. We need to see the real Isak. We saw how good he can be at Newcastle, but we haven't seen it in a red shirt yet. Questions will come now."

Owen also noted that "Mo Salah has gone, and Hugo Ekitike is out, so Liverpool need him to deliver. Against Newcastle, he was a yard off it, and that is worrying. He is the big-money signing, and I can't say he played well because he didn't."

Match and Performance Stats

The match was a lively contest. Anthony Elanga opened the scoring for Newcastle in the 5th minute, but Cody Gakpo equalized with a long-range strike 10 minutes after half-time. Joe Willock restored Newcastle's lead two minutes later, but Liverpool were awarded a late penalty when Lewis Hall was adjudged to have fouled Victor Munoz. Dominik Szoboszlai stepped up and converted with a powerful effort to Lukas Hornicek's right.

Isak's match statistics were a mixed bag. He completed 10 of 13 passes (77%), won 5 of 9 duels, lost possession 9 times from 28 touches, and managed 2 shots on target with 2 big chances missed and 1 key pass. He has so far registered just 4 goals and 1 assist in 24 appearances for Liverpool.

Broader Criticism and Context

Gary Neville also turned on Isak and Florian Wirtz, his fellow big-money arrival from Bayer Leverkusen. Neville told the Gary Neville podcast: "The big thing for Liverpool is they've got this quarter-of-a-billion-pound front two, and I'm being level with them. You look at Isak – he made the move for major figures – and the big thing for Liverpool ... they've got this 250-million-pound front two, and they're going to have to start playing sooner or later."

Neville added that Isak and Wirtz are "too nice" and if they don't turn it around they will attract plenty of criticism: "If you're going to be nice, you'd better be incredible at football. I don't see the tenacity in Wirtz in particular. I just see a placid performance. And they're going to get a lot of stick."

Owen's frustration was echoed by those watching on, as Liverpool were without Mo Salah, who has moved on, and Hugo Ekitine, who is out until the end of 2026. Ekitine's absence adds to the need for Isak to start scoring.

Perspective

  • Michael Owen: The former Liverpool and Newcastle striker described Isak's performance as 'worrying' and said the Sweden international is running out of excuses. With Salah gone and Ekitine injured, Owen believes Liverpool rely on Isak to deliver immediate and consistent performance.
  • Gary Neville: The former Manchester United right-back, now a pundit, took a broader view, pairing Isak with Florian Wirtz, warning both must start performing or face mounting criticism.

Liverpool's next match is at home against Nottingham Forest on August 29, where Isak will be expected to improve.