Our 0-0 draw at Crystal Palace felt like two points dropped, but it may prove to be a blessing in disguise if it convinces the club to step up our pursuit of a couple of quality attackers.
Amanda Staveley, Mehrdad Ghodoussi and Jamie Reuben were all spotted in the stands at Selhurst Park, witnessing Newcastle miss a host of half-chances – and fail to create any big ones – in a game we generally dominated.
It was our third goalless in our last four Premier League games, while our last win – a 1-0 victory over Fulham – could’ve easily been another had Alexander Isak not headed home in the final minute of normal time.
There’s no need to panic – we were the better side, we’re 15 unbeaten and continue to look superb defensively – but it feels like the squad needs a boost.
It’s been well documented that we’re in the market for another midfielder – a No 6 in particular could allow the brilliant Bruno Guimaraes to play in a slightly more advanced role – while the arrival of a versatile forward able to play out wide or up top has been talked about following Chris Wood’s sudden move to Nottingham Forest.
We may have our club record striker fit again and Allan Saint-Maximin is another great option, but with Miguel Almiron’s goal threat wavering since the World Cup, Jacob Murphy now a regular option from the bench and Callum Wilson looking sluggish (again) on Saturday as he made it eight games without a goal, it feels like fresh impetus is needed.
New signings could revitalise a team that’s beginning to look tired, also giving us that sprinkle of quality we’ve been missing in the final third for all our good approach play.
Where Mike Ashley took risks and hoped the bare minimum would be enough to see us get by, I’d back our new owners to build from a position of strength. We remain third after results elsewhere went in our favour over the weekend, but the gap between ourselves and fifth may be cut to three points if Tottenham beat Fulham tonight.
I’m sure the club are working hard behind the scenes to get deals done, I just hope Staveley and Co saw Saturday’s stalemate – and results elsewhere this weekend – as a reminder to back Howe.
No one expected a top four finish so soon into this exciting new project, but with our rock-solid defence and Liverpool, Spurs and Chelsea all struggling, the final eight days of the window feel like a big opportunity to regain momentum; both on and off the pitch.
Olly: i expected top four and said so on here. What I saw were the usual suspects in transition. My main surprises have been Arsenal who I thought needed at least another year and Liverpool who I didnt see their midfielders dropping off a cliff. I thoght Arsenal would be top 6 and liverpool top 4.
My reasonin was always – if not this year then when – with so many clubs in turmoil.
Then there is Man U. They are a completely different team after they had that boil on their @rse lanced (Ronaldo) and Rashford has found form. I didnt see that coming this year.
Eric Sykes(Quote)