Alexander Isak has dismissed Alan Shearer’s demand that he take Liverpool’s injury-time penalty on his first return to Newcastle United, calling the former Magpies captain’s verdict ‘irrelevant’.
What Isak said about the Shearer criticism
Isak was booed throughout the opening-day 2-2 draw at St James’ Park following his £125m move from Newcastle to Liverpool in September 2025. Dominik Szoboszlai stepped up to take the stoppage-time spot-kick after Victor Munoz was fouled by Lewis Hall, converting it to earn the Reds a point.
Shearer suggested on The Rest of Football podcast that Isak should have grabbed the ball to silence the crowd. When asked about the comments, Isak told Swedish outlet Fotbollskanalen: “Szoboszlai was the penalty taker for that match. It’s a bit irrelevant. Those are team matters, and it’s not for the media or the supporters to decide who should take a penalty.”
On the reception he received at his former home, Isak added: “It was special. I was prepared for the atmosphere, so it was a special match.”
Isak’s form since the Newcastle return
The 27-year-old has since scored four goals in four Premier League games and sits one behind Erling Haaland in the race for the Golden Boot. That run has already earned him recognition, with Isak named among Liverpool’s Premier League Player of the Month contenders.
He has also confirmed Liverpool have not contacted Sweden boss Graham Potter over his minutes during the international break.
The wider picture at Liverpool
Isak’s settled start contrasts with other recent arrivals. Questions continue to surround Florian Wirtz, with reports suggesting Liverpool are set to abandon the Wirtz experiment amid what has been described as a fundamental disconnect.
At the other end of the squad, there is optimism about the next generation, with teenage forward Rio Ngumoha backing himself for a Liverpool breakthrough.
Sources
Updated 25 September 2026, 08:37. Written by PremClub News with the help of AI, using only facts from the reports listed on this page. How we rate stories · Editorial policy