Aaron Stokes serves as Newcastle United Editor. Born and raised in the north-east, he moved to London in 2017 to work at Reach PLC’s national titles. After five years away, he returned to join The Chronicle in March 2022.

Newcastle United Editor. Born and raised in the north-east, he moved to London in 2017 to work at Reach PLC’s national titles. After five years away, he returned to join The Chronicle in March 2022.

With every passing day, it becomes more difficult to see how Alexander Isak can find a way back at Newcastle United, no matter Eddie Howe’s continued optimism.

“Nothing has changed – but the door is completely open [for Isak]. It’s down to him to decide what he really wants,” Howe said shortly after Saturday’s 0-0 draw with Aston Villa; a match Isak sat out.

So far, the forward has made it abundantly clear he no longer wishes to be part of this setup. Howe, on the other hand, wants him training and available again. That scenario is still firmly off the table.

Although frustration is mounting among the St James’ Park crowd, some always hoped Isak might return to the squad.

After all, Harry Kane and Luis Suarez both once told Tottenham and Liverpool they would not feature again, only to stay and deliver superb performances months later.

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Naturally, if Isak were to come back, issue an apology and start scoring goals again, the matter would probably be put aside, at least for now.

Yet we now seem to be approaching breaking point. Perhaps even the stage of no return. As supporters witnessed a blunt showing in the league opener, frustration only deepened that their record signing deliberately chose to miss out.

Howe insists the decision ultimately lies with Isak, but in truth Liverpool now face the real choice. Should they increase their bid for the unsettled attacker, a departure feels likely – assuming Newcastle secure a replacement.

However, if the Reds walk away from chasing the 25-year-old, Isak faces an uphill battle. Winning back the trust of this loyal fanbase will prove extremely difficult.

Anthony Gordon attempted to fill in as a central striker, while Anthony Elanga impressed in the wide areas.

“It is easy for players to let negativity creep in or to have excuses lined up but I didn’t see any of that today,” Howe remarked.

“That’s why I was very pleased with the squad. This is only one fixture out of 38 in the Premier League season, so we are not going to overreact either way, but today was very encouraging.”

It remains unknown where Isak spent Newcastle’s league opener. Truthfully, he may not have chosen to watch it at all.

Still, the absent forward will be well aware of the criticism hurled at him from some fans who, only two months earlier, adored him unconditionally.

If anything highlights football’s unpredictability, it’s that those very same fans have turned on him so publicly in such a short span.

What comes next remains unclear, but the supporters who travelled to Villa Park and paid to cheer their team left Isak under no illusion about how they currently feel.