Eddie Howe has conceded that Newcastle United are still searching for the attacking spark to ignite their Premier League campaign, admitting his reshaped forward line has yet to find rhythm.The Magpie...
Eddie Howe has conceded that Newcastle United are still searching for the attacking spark to ignite their Premier League campaign, admitting his reshaped forward line has yet to find rhythm.
The Magpies have managed just three goals in their opening five league fixtures, a tally that only Aston Villa have failed to better. Speaking to BBC Sport, Howe insisted comparisons between record signing Nick Woltemade and departed talisman Alexander Isak were “unfair” but acknowledged the team is “missing that X-factor.”
A new-look attack
Isak’s British record transfer to Liverpool on deadline day left Newcastle scrambling to reinforce their front line. Woltemade arrived from Stuttgart for £69m, while Yoane Wissa joined from Brentford in a £55m deal. Yet Wissa’s knee injury on international duty with DR Congo has curtailed Howe’s options, leaving the German striker to shoulder responsibility.
Woltemade, who scored on his debut against Wolves, has impressed but remains inexperienced at this level. “I don’t think any comparison to Alex is favourable to any player,” Howe said. “Nick has a big future, but he needs time to adjust to the Premier League’s physicality.”
Building amid transition
Howe pointed to the scale of upheaval in his squad. “We’ve had the biggest change in my time here,” he said. “In an ideal world, you have six weeks of pre-season to form partnerships. We’re now doing that as we play.”
Despite their struggles in front of goal, Howe argued Newcastle’s defensive foundations remain strong. “The team’s playing with strength. We’re just missing that final ingredient, but with the players we have, goals will come.”
Newcastle face Bradford City in the Carabao Cup on Wednesday before playing Arsenal at home on Sunday.
GFN | Finn Entwistle
Category: General Sports
