After passing his three auditions, Newcastle United’s Alexander Isak to now join Arsenal? I think not | OneFootball

The transfer window has closed and while we had hoped for transfer activity on the right winger and a defender, at the very least, things didn’t quite go as we envisioned.

Instead, we bid farewell to a right winger and a defender. Best of luck to Almiron and Kelly.

However, let’s talk about the game, Newcastle v Arsenal.

One of the best nights for us—and, of course, I missed it. For good reason, though.

I spent eight hours at the airport, trying to get my daughter a flight for her holiday. With the holiday season in full swing, every flight was fully booked. Since there were 15 others on the standby list, we left disappointed. But as a father, I wasn’t about to let her down.

So, I had an idea—try another airport, three and a half hours drive away. It worked. She got on a flight immediately, and the joy on her face made the long drive worth it. Things a dad would do for their daughter.

On my way home, another three-and-a-half-hour drive—this time alone—I listened to the post-match review to stay awake. The commentators mentioned Newcastle’s last major trophy, the Fairs Cup in 1969. And, as if by fate, these lyrics popped into my head:

“So I called up the Captain, ‘Please bring me my wine’

He said, ‘We haven’t had that spirit here since 1969’

And still, those voices are calling from far away

Wake you up in the middle of the night just to hear them say…”

The media and pundits are finally giving Eddie Howe the credit he deserves. Normally, this kind of praise is reserved for the so-called “Top Six” managers. Unlike some who bristle at the mere suggestion of tactical flexibility (Amorim and Ange), Eddie, known for his 4-3-3, made some serious adjustment on how to counter Arsenal. Winning the first match always helps, but his humility shines through when he admits that sometimes his adjustments work, and sometimes they don’t.

Every grandma and their pet dog knew Arsenal’s strategy revolved around set-pieces, especially corners. They struggled to break us down in open play, so they tried to win cheap free-kicks. Every time Burn, Botman, or Schar so much as sneezed, Havertz would hit the deck looking for a foul.

Eddie’s response? Simple. He packed the box with our giants, neutralising half the threat. No wonder we’re the Stoke 2.0 bogey team. Across 270 minutes, despite their countless corners, they still haven’t scored against us. Their set-piece stats must look tragic whenever they face us.

Some excuse Arteta’s petulance as the frustration of a competitive manager, but for me, it’s just bad manners. Most managers win or lose, shake hands, acknowledge the opponent, and move on. Arteta, however, just shoved his hand at Eddie without even looking at him after the match, as if he wasn’t even there. For someone as graceless as him, I don’t feel any sympathy for Arteta, who will always remain a shadow behind Guardiola.

Two seasons ago, our cup final qualification was a nerve-wracking, blood-and-thunder affair. This time, we played like a team that knew reaching the final was just part of the job. We were composed, measured, efficient, and clinical—the way top teams like Man City and Real Madrid approach big games. No, we’re not at their level yet, but our mentality is shifting in that direction.

Beyond the game itself, there are two unexpected positives.

First, when we beat Arsenal in the league at St James’ Park in November, the media spun the narrative that Isak had “passed his audition” for them. In reality, it’s the other way around. After beating them for the third time (passing three ‘auditions’) this season, with their constant whining, theatrics, and negativity, there’s no way Arsenal could entice Isak to join them now.

Second, if I were Paul Mitchell, I’d be on the phone with Man City, trying to negotiate a reasonable deal for James McAtee. And if they hesitate, I’d drop a little suggestion: “Well, if we can’t strengthen our midfield, we might have to consider selling Isak … Arsenal are interested.” That would set off alarm bells in Manchester.

Man City would rather hand us McAtee for free than risk Arsenal getting stronger. We’re a valuable six-point ally in their title race, after all.