Fans are debating whether Alexander Isak’s opener in Newcastle’s 2-0 Carabao Cup semi-final victory over Arsenal should have been disallowed. The incident occurred when Isak appeared to push Martin Ødegaard in the back before slotting home a well-executed goal, capping off a fluid team move. Anthony Gordon quickly followed up with a rebound to double Newcastle’s lead shortly after halftime, setting them up well for the second leg.

However, many supporters questioned the validity of Isak’s goal, with one fan stating, “obviously a foul.” Another lamented, “Premier League referees are the worst in Europe man!”

Isak’s form has been impressive, with him scoring in five consecutive matches and netting a total of seven goals in that span. Over his last nine games, he has hit the back of the net ten times and provided two assists. Arsenal legend Paul Merson even suggested that his former club should “break the bank” for the striker, whom he values at £150 million.

The controversy over Isak’s goal centered on whether he committed a two-handed push on Ødegaard, who fell forward, inadvertently giving Isak more space for a clean left-footed finish. Some fans argued that Arsenal’s defenders often use similar tactics, with one noting, “Arsenal do this over every attacking free kick to push a defender backwards, making all their players onside: nothing wrong with that clever play.”

Gordon also weighed in on Isak’s performance, declaring him the best forward in Europe based on current form. He told ITV, “I think so. I think everyone is in agreement with that. He’s on fire.”