Alan Shearer wanted to see Alexander Isak step up and take Liverpool's late penalty against Newcastle United, having been 'battered' by the St. James' Park crowd throughout the game.
It was the Sweden international's first return to Tyneside since he went on strike to force through a move to Anfield last summer in a British-record transfer fee. The 26-year-old struggled in his first season with the Reds due to injury, scoring just four goals in all competitions for Liverpool in 22 outings for Arne Slot's side.
Frosty reception on Tyneside
Isak was given a frosty welcome on his return, booed and jeered as he made his way off the bus and into the ground. That fierce reception carried on throughout the game, with the Swede booed and every mistake or tackle on him cheered.
When Liverpool were awarded a late penalty after Lewis Hall brought down Victor Munoz, Newcastle supporters feared Isak would step up to take the penalty, getting his own back. However, it was Dominik Szoboszlai who fired into the top corner of Lukas Hornicek's net, leaving the Newcastle goalkeeper with no chance of saving it and ensuring a share of the spoils.
Reaction from pundits
Shearer, Gary Lineker and Micah Richards all thought that Isak was going to step up and 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 chirped in: "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.'"
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.'"
"I bet as soon as you - sitting in the stand Alan - saw Szoboszlai taking it you thought 'Oh no he's gonna score," Lineker replied. "What a penalty it was by the way," Shearer conceded. "Top bins!"
Isak thanks Liverpool fans
In contrast to the X-rated chants from Newcastle supporters, Isak was given a strong backing by the travelling Liverpool fanbase and took to social media to thank them in a short statement. 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".
