In a game which was there to be won, neither side knew how to, when Newcastle drew 0-0 away to Leeds.
In a season where Newcastle are expected to compete on four fronts, once again Newcastle looked toothless in attack and devoid of ideas on how to unlock a Leeds defence that seen Arsenal put five past them.
This highlights perfectly the glaringly obvious hole in Eddie Howe’s squad at this moment in time – strikers.
In the likely scenario Alexander Isak gets the move he desperately wants, Newcastle cannot move forward with Will Osula and Nick Woltemade as the only focal points to the attack. Another striker who can score goals is needed desperately and absolutely essential.
In the game against Leeds, Osula only managed one successful dribble and two touches in the opposition box, the latter the same as full-back Tino Livramento.
Osula’s endeavour cannot be faulted, but in the most part his display was clumsy and lacked composure in or out of possession, with the Dane conceding five fouls.
Games such as Leeds away, where the points are there for the taking, require courage and conviction, previously provided by an absentee Sweden International, and can definite the success of a season come May. If there was a way to demonstrate to the Newcastle hierarchy what Howe needs, that was it. Nick Woltemade is a welcome addition in so many ways to the Newcastle dressing room, but another is needed to spread responsibility and quality.
Before the transfer window slams shut at 7pm on Monday, striking reinforcements are needed desperately. Anthony Gordon can do a job in the central striking role, but as seen against Aston Villa on the opening day of the season, he lacks the killer instinct in front of goal and is by far at his best on the left wing.
Yoane Wissa is doing his best to force after today’s bombshell statement and move and Jorgen Strand Larsen is also keen to sign, but both of those things mean little if Brentford and Wolves can’t find replacements in time.
Progress must be found somewhere, even if it’s a surprise loan move that gives us more reliable cover than the raw and erratic Osula, who proved last night that he’s not ready to play a big role.
The Newcastle board, need to take the evidence of the season so far and simply must back Howe with either another striker, or put an end to the Alexander Isak fiasco and get him back doing what he is paid to do.
A mistake is a blunder an error or fault resulting from a reckless or careless judgement .. not sure that applies the club has spent a month going after every top centre forward available with clubs either point blank refusing to sell , massively overvalued players or players have chosen other clubs all within the constraints of Psr.., delap, mbuemo, Pedro, wissa, and strand are but a few we know about .., we have just signed Germanys centre forward and elenga, thiaw, ramsey,soo, Cordero, and Ramsey .. if we get wissa it will be one of the most successful transfer windows ever spending well over £200 million .. so sorry I disagree with mistake it’s more like frustrating
Mike(Quote)
Wrong formation
James Wa(Quote)
Cant blame the endeavor the board and Eddie are trying to salvage a disaster into the sun is out and ready to go situation.
As always the fans are behind the process just get riled when attack is constant .
The battle has just beginning
trevor(Quote)
Wow – did you figure that out all by yourself?
Daveys **** mate(Quote)
Make sure that Isak goes this window he has brought so much instability to the club. There is no way he could ever play for the toon again he has truly burnt his bridges. I hope he goes to Liverpool like Andy Carrol did and ends up the same being a waste of time lol. That might sound bitter but hey that’s how I and many other fans think.
Marty B(Quote)
We missed an opportunity by not signing Semenyo from Bournemouth who is a real top player. But I agree,if we get Wissa it’s been a decent window. With regard to Isaac,apart from his obvious quality,he’s not and never will be a 90 minute player,always looks like he’s blowing after 70/75 minutes. His injury history isn’t the best neither. So off you f*ck Alexander !!!
Tommy Tantrum(Quote)
We didn’t miss an opportunity with semenyo, they asked any interested club for 85m +and he then signed a new contract and committed to staying. He’s still at Bournemouth, not like he chose a different move. They knew they were selling 3 defenders for £160m, they didn’t need any £
Cartel clubs couldn’t get him either so nothing to blame our negotiators for there at all
East Stand(Quote)
Only mistake the club have made is not putting the petulant swedish baby in his place earlier in the summer,and could have avoided this mess,I do agree if we get another striker in we’ve rescued the situation to some extent,any club would miss a player of Isaks quality but no way could he come back
Colin Reid(Quote)
Today’s top flight game makes me really mad, Isak has behaved terribly but Wissa is not far behind. I just wish when the so called top six wanted to break away that they had gone. Their cartel is killing the game at the top in England. Newcastle can hopefully get back to the status of their Edwardian team and if they were joined by other old traditional clubs like W.B.A, Wolves, Everton,Sheff Wed, Hudderdfield etc, I would be quite happy. Of course I want us at a level above them mall if I am honest. We wiĺ be fine this season but the quest for more siverware has been compromised by greed .
Neil Johnson(Quote)