As much as many fans just want to move on from Alexander Isak after the draining saga the striker caused over the summer, it’s hard not to watch how his early days at Liverpool are unfolding and feel a slight sense of satisfaction over how it’s all unfolding for the Swede.

Isak’s lack of pre-season training, and decision to boycott our tour of Asia and other friendlies, have had a detrimental impact on his Liverpool career so far, along Sweden’s chances of qualifying for the 2026 World Cup.

And it’s more than just Toon fans who are struggling to show much sympathy to Isak and Liverpool over the current situation, as pundits and neutrals have repeatedly blasted the striker for his behaviour over the past few months.

“You reap what you sow” – Sutton on Isak

Speaking to BBC Sport, former Blackburn and Celtic striker Chris Sutton has sent a “you reap what you sow” message to misfiring former Mag Alexander Isak.

The defending Premier League Champions have lost six of their last seven games in all competitions, with the Swede absent with a groin issue on Wednesday night as the Reds were beaten 3-0 by Crystal Palace in the Carabao Cup.

It’s now all the more important for Liverpool that Isak finally finds his scoring boots once he returns, but Sutton believes their £130m man is now facing the consequences of his actions over the summer after going on strike at Newcastle:

“It feels like what has happened to Alexander Isak is a case of you reap what you sow.”

“Isak has been short of full fitness and especially sharpness all season anyway and he did not help himself there by missing training with Newcastle, in order to try to force his move to Anfield through.”

“He got what he wanted…but now he is trying to play catch-up instead of hitting the ground running, because of the time he had off, and that is when you can pick up injuries.”

“Alexander Isak is too good a player not to eventually start scoring goals, but this whole situation has affected Liverpool as a team too, because his lack of fitness is one of the reasons they have not clicked in the final third yet.”

Liverpool set up not the same for Isak

On the surface, Isak should have been the perfect fit for Arne Slot’s side: signing the top-scoring striker in the league last year would just add even more firepower to an already ferocious side.

But Slot’s system isn’t set up like Eddie Howe’s, where the striker is the focal point of the attack and the main man our entire forward line are looking to serve.

Where you had a more selfless winger in Jacob Murphy constantly trying to feed Isak, all of Liverpool’s winger options are a lot more comfortable trying to cut inside and go for goal.

Sutton is probably right where he says that Isak will eventually turn his form around and become a prolific player for Liverpool. But it does feel like a lot more people should have heeded Newcastle fans’ warning that injuries, slow starts, and a lack of involvement if he’s not scoring were all to be expected in the first few months of Isak’s time at Liverpool.