Alexander Isak is living through a difficult chapter of his career, and the contrast between his time at Newcastle United and his early days at Liverpool could not be more dramatic.
After forcing his way out of St James’ Park in a move that stunned supporters, the Swedish striker is now facing criticism, pressure, and an unwanted place in the record books.
His start at Liverpool has been so tough that he has broken a record that has stood for more than a century, becoming the first Liverpool player to lose his first four starts since Percy Saul back in October 1906. It is the kind of statistic no player wants attached to their name, and it has only deepened the scrutiny surrounding his massive £130 million transfer.
The situation has been painful for Isak, but for Newcastle fans, the story has taken on a different tone. Many supporters who felt betrayed by his decision to walk away have quietly enjoyed seeing his struggles at Anfield, especially as the Toon themselves deal with their own inconsistent form.
They expected to watch him shine on the biggest stage, but instead they are witnessing a striker who has managed just one Carabao Cup goal in nine appearances.
His latest performance, a flat showing in Liverpool’s 3-0 home defeat to Nottingham Forest, ended with him being replaced in the 68th minute. It was another night that left Liverpool fans frustrated and their manager, Arne Slot, under growing pressure.
That frustration spilled over across social media, where Liverpool supporters began to turn their criticism toward Isak. The memes, jokes and sarcastic comments flying around from rival fans were expected, but what stung more was the reaction from Liverpool’s own supporters questioning why the club paid so much for him.
Many wondered aloud whether he had been oversold, whether he fit the system, and whether he had the mentality to carry the weight that comes with such a huge fee. For someone seen as one of Europe’s brightest attacking talents not long ago, it has been a sharp and humbling slide.
After the loss, Arne Slot tried to shoulder the blame rather than throw his players under the bus. He admitted that Liverpool’s recent form is nowhere near good enough, and he made it clear that he sees himself as responsible for turning it around.
Slot spoke about momentum, decision-making, and the small moments that can change a match. He insisted that the team have too much quality to continue on this path, but he also stressed that excuses mean nothing when the results are so poor. His tone reflected the seriousness of the situation and the growing tension around the club.
Back on Tyneside, attention has also returned to the way Isak’s time ended at Newcastle. Eddie Howe was asked earlier this season about his relationship with the striker, and he did not hide the fact that things deteriorated once Isak made it clear he wanted out.
Howe spoke warmly about their early time together, saying that their relationship had been strong and productive. He felt they had helped each other reach new heights, and that Isak had been central to some of Newcastle’s best moments.
But everything changed when Isak chose to go on strike. Howe admitted that this was the turning point, the moment their working relationship shifted into something far more difficult.
The contrast between Isak’s glowing reputation at Newcastle and his rocky start at Liverpool shows how quickly football can change. He was once the player who inspired hope, who carried expectation with style, and who looked ready to lead Newcastle into a new era.
Now he finds himself in a fight to prove his worth, facing pressure from a demanding fanbase and living under the shadow of a record that highlights how badly things have begun.
Isak may still recover and thrive at Liverpool. He has the talent to do it, and careers are rarely defined by a single difficult spell. But for now, this is a chapter marked by disappointment, criticism and regret.
And for Newcastle supporters who watched him walk away, it is a reminder that loyalty, like form, can disappear as quickly as it arrives.
