Isak became the first Newcastle player to score 20 or more league goals in two successive Premier League seasons when he volleyed home Jacob Murphy’s first-half cross.
But he was substituted in the 66th minute, making way for Callum Wilson, with Howe admitting the Magpies’ leading scorer was not at 100 per cent for much of the game.
His groin situation will now be assessed by Newcastle’s medical staff ahead of next Monday’s trip to Leicester City.
“You’re defined by ability to score goals in this league, and your attacking players really have to take that responsibility,” said Howe. “I think he’s (Isak) done that unbelievably well since he’s been here.
“It’s not easy to do. I don’t think this was his finest game, and I don’t think he’ll be surprised at me saying that. But he was in the right place at the right time. He maybe got a bit of luck with the finish, but he’s done that consistently, he’s always in the right place.
“I think on another day he would have scored more, but I don’t think he was 100 per cent. That’s why we withdrew him. We hope it’s nothing too serious, but he just wasn’t feeling 100 per cent in his groin. He was just a little bit unsure in his movement, so that’s why we withdrew him.”
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Kieran Trippier was another player who failed to last the full 90 minutes, with his departure in the closing stages of the game also injury-related. Again, though, Howe is hoping the former England international’s problem is not too serious.
“He said it was like a cramp sensation in his groin,” he said. “We hope it’s nothing serious, but that is the negative today. We’ve got a few niggles, and we just hope they’re nothing serious. We have such a small squad, as you could see from our bench, so we can’t afford to pick up any more injuries.”
Joelinton did manage to make it to the final whistle, but his knee and upper thigh were heavily strapped, and he needed some second-half treatment to be able to continue playing when he was clearly in some discomfort.
“I think he (Joelinton) epitomises the mentality we need,” said Howe. “It’s win at all costs. He’s always there for you in training, Joey, he’s always there for me. He’s a standard bearer in that respect, and you need players like that to set the example for everyone else to follow.
“I think his knee was causing him a bit of discomfort today, it’s the knee that he’s suffered from before. I don’t think he was 100 per cent fit, but it would have taken a lot for Joe to have come off the pitch today. But that’s where we need to assess every little niggle we have and make sure everyone is okay for Monday.”
