Tottenham 1-2 Newcastle: Alexander Isak ‘the best striker in the league’ as hot streak continues

Isak himself was quick to praise his Magpies colleagues after Saturday’s victory – their sixth in a row in all competitions.

Aside from Isak’s goals, Sandro Tonali’s deep-lying role alongside midfield team-mates Joelinton and Guimaraes has been pivotal to Newcastle’s resurgence, as has the form of Gordon, Murphy and left-back Lewis Hall.

Martin Dubravka has deputised admirably for injured first-choice goalkeeper Nick Pope, while Sven Botman – who was such an integral part of the Magpies’ fourth-placed finish in 2022-23 – delivered an assured performance against Spurs on his first appearance since recovering from a serious knee injury.

“It’s a team thing,” Isak told BBC Match of the Day. “I’m looking at the players that are playing – everyone looks strong and confident.

“That’s a big reason why we’re doing well. When you win, you gain confidence.”

A fifth-place Premier League finish may prove enough to secure a Champions League place in 2025-26, but Isak and his team-mates are reluctant to focus on the table at this stage of the campaign.

“We shouldn’t be talking too much about where we should end up,” said the striker. “We’re just aiming as high as possible.

“We’ve been on a run now – and we’re looking to stay on it.”