Isak's razor-sharp edge provides painful point of contrast to Arsenal's meanderings | Barney Ronay

Yesterday at 06:51 PM

Newcastle striker isn't just a player Arsenal have wanted, but a type they have missed – there isn't a better centre forward in England right now

And here's what you could have had. No, maybe don't look too closely. It is no secret Arsenal made attempts to sign Alexander Isak from Real Sociedad a few years back. There was some vague, whisper-on-the-wind talk of a bid again this summer. Good luck with that one now. How much would it take these days? A hundred and fifty million? A six pack of gold Fabergé eggs encased in Parmesan cheese? Ten thousand head of cattle and half of Hertfordshire?

Isak isn't just a player Arsenal have wanted, but a type they have missed, a razor edge in a team that still basically wants to tickle you to death. No doubt after this 2-0 semi-final first leg victory for an excellent Newcastle team, driven by a wonderful performance from Isak, there will be some painful focus on the points of contrast with Arsenal's own meanderings in attack.