Newcastle United legend Alan Shearer has revealed he wanted Alexander Isak to step up and take Liverpool's late penalty during the tense clash at St James' Park, which ended in a draw.
The Magpies great was keen to see the Swedish striker face the pressure of the spot-kick, having been 'battered' by the St James' Park crowd throughout the match on his first return to the club since going on strike to force a move to Liverpool last summer.
Hostile reception for Isak
The Newcastle faithful made their feelings clear from the outset, with the Swedish striker booed, cheered and subjected to X-rated chants after stepping off the team bus. That hostile atmosphere continued throughout the match, with every error or challenge against him greeted with cheers.
The 26-year-old endured a difficult debut season with the Reds due to injury, netting just four goals in all competitions across 22 appearances for Arne Slot's side.
Penalty drama at St James' Park
When Liverpool were awarded a late penalty after Lewis Hall brought down Victor Munoz, Newcastle supporters feared Isak would step up to take the spot-kick and exact his revenge. However, it was Dominik Szoboszlai who drilled the ball into the top corner of Lukas Hornicek's net, leaving the Newcastle goalkeeper with no chance and securing a share of the points.
Shearer, Gary Lineker and Micah Richards all anticipated that Isak would be the one to take the penalty. Speaking on The Rest Is Football, Richards said: "I've never heard boos like that in my life."
"You would have heard even bigger ones if he'd had the balls to take the penalty," Lineker said.
Shearer added: "That's what I was thinking! I was thinking 'Go on, come and take the penalty! What have you got? Go and grab the ball and take the penalty Isak.'"
Reaction to Szoboszlai's spot-kick
Lineker said: "I think that was the right decision from Liverpool not to give it to him because that pressure would have been enormous. I was thinking 'surely not, surely he's not going to take this.'"
Shearer said: "I wanted him to go and take it. I was thinking 'Come on, you've been absolutely battered. Lets see what you've got. Go and grab the ball and take the penalty.'"
Lineker replied: "I bet as soon as you - sitting in the stand Alan - saw Szoboszlai taking it you thought 'Oh no he's gonna score."
"What a penalty it was by the way," Shearer conceded. "Top bins!"
While Newcastle supporters directed X-rated chants towards Isak, the Swedish forward received a warm reception from the travelling Liverpool faithful and took to social media to express his gratitude. Posting on social media, the 26-year-old said: "Season kicked off. Thank you for the immense support Reds. We go on to the next #ynwa".
