Newcastle remains in fourth place, level on points with Chelsea in fifth, after their previous win over Liverpool. Isak's goal brought his league tally to 22 from 32 games, and Howe was impressed by the Swedish international's performance.

Howe acknowledged that scoring a crucial goal in a high-pressure situation requires mental toughness and focus. He praised Isak's ability to remain calm and composed, taking a step back to assess the situation before scoring the penalty.

According to Howe, Isak's "ruthless mentality" is a valuable asset to the team, allowing him to deliver in critical moments. The manager highlighted the importance of having players who can remain focused and composed under pressure, as it can make all the difference in securing a win.

Howe also emphasized the significance of the goal, stating that losing the game would have had a negative impact on the team's morale. However, Isak's penalty ensured that Newcastle maintained their momentum and stayed on track in the league.