Newcastle United must be brimming with confidence ahead of their home clash with West Ham United on Monday.
The Magpies are on a three-game winning run in all competitions. They knocked Chelsea out of the Carabao Cup before condemning Arsenal to a 1-0 defeat in the English top-flight at St James’ Park.
And in their final game before the international break, Newcastle cruised past Nottingham Forest 3-1, thanks to a masterclass display from Alexander Isak.
The Sweden international cancelled out the advantage of Murillo’s strike with a superb finish early in the second-half. He then turned provider as he set up Joelinton for the visitors’ second.
Harvey Barnes added a late third as Eddie Howe’s men secured an emphatic win at the City Ground.
Isak’s performance against Forest has left a huge impression on BBC football pundit Chris Sutton, who says the striker “looked back to his best”.
Sutton is backing the Tyneside club to win against West Ham on Monday, with the 25-year-old playing a crucial role for his side.
Writing in his column for BBC Sport, the former Celtic star said: “I think Hammers fans have been underwhelmed by what they’ve seen since Lopetegui arrived, because it is not working out under him. As I’ve said before, I don’t quite know what kind of team they are trying to be.
“I don’t see them getting any joy at St James’ Park this time, either. Alexander Isak looked back to his best when Newcastle beat Forest last time out, and they should be too strong for West Ham too”.
Sutton is absolutely right as Isak is currently firing on all cylinders.
The centre-forward made a slow start to the season, scoring just once in his first five league outings.
However, he has been excellent since recovering from his toe injury. The former Real Sociedad star has scored in each of his previous four matches in all competitions.
Isak also impressed with his performance for his country in the Nations League, netting the winner against Slovakia.
He is currently in the form of his life and could be a nightmare for West Ham defenders in Monday’s game.
Stats from Transfermarkt