Alexander Isak has revealed that he was fully aware of the hostile reception he would receive when he returned to St James’ Park with Liverpool last month.
The Swedish forward faced Newcastle United for the first time since completing his controversial £125 million move to Liverpool a year earlier. His departure from the Magpies had left many supporters frustrated, making his return to Tyneside one of the most anticipated moments of the opening weekend.
Liverpool were handed a late opportunity to snatch all three points when they were awarded a penalty deep into stoppage time. However, rather than Isak taking responsibility against his former club, Dominik Szoboszlai stepped up and converted to secure a 2-2 draw.
Isak opens up on his return to Newcastle
Speaking to Swedish outlet Fotbollskanalen, Isak reflected on what it was like to walk back into St James’ Park and admitted he had expected a difficult atmosphere.
“It was special. I was prepared for the atmosphere, so it was a special match,” Isak said when discussing his return to Newcastle.
Former Newcastle striker Alan Shearer had previously questioned why Isak did not take the late penalty himself.
Speaking on The Rest is Football at the time, Shearer said: “Come on, you’ve been absolutely battered. Let’s see what you’ve got. Go and grab the ball and take the penalty.”
Isak was later asked about Shearer’s comments and explained that the decision had already been made within the Liverpool team.
“Szoboszlai was the penalty taker for that match. Those are team matters and it’s not for the media or the fans to decide who should take a penalty,” the Liverpool striker responded.
Isak enjoying a strong start at Liverpool
Although Isak failed to make a major impact during Liverpool’s meeting with Newcastle, his form has improved considerably since that game.
The 27-year-old has scored four goals in his last six appearances, already matching the number of goals he managed throughout his injury-hit 2025/26 campaign.
Given the intensity surrounding his return to St James’ Park, getting that first appearance against Newcastle out of the way will likely have been significant for Isak.
He can now focus on building momentum at Liverpool and putting a difficult period behind him.
The Sweden international could have another opportunity to face Newcastle later in the season when Liverpool host the Magpies at Anfield next April. If another late penalty situation arises, Isak may be tempted to take matters into his own hands this time.
Alexander Isak finally responds to Alan Shearer’s brutal jibe after his ‘special’ St James’ Park return ended in a dramatic late penalty controversy
