Given the focus here on Newcastle United’s current goalscoring crisis, it is this third goal that stands out the most. First, they’ve struggled to score, especially on the road. The greater concern is their attacking inability, as the team has not scored a goal in their last four matches on the road. In addition, Alexander Isak, the club’s leading goalscorer, is out injured and missing from the team. This absence has been felt greatly affecting the team’s offensive depth and forcing manager Eddie Howe to find answers before their upcoming matches.
Their 3-0 defeat at Bournemouth on Sunday reiterated that those problems persist. Newcastle had a strong starting XI, but they were wasteful in leading to scoring opportunity. Their combined xG (expected goals) of just 0.69 shows the extent of their untapped creativity and goal scoring ineffectiveness. This unfortunate outcome follows a brutal period of time. They have won just one of their previous half-dozen fixtures on the road.
Absence of Key Players
Alexander Isak’s departure due to injury has opened the door for speculation regarding Newcastle’s offensive capabilities. The Swede finished as one of the league’s top goalscorers, and his flamethrower-level absence has created a major leadership and on-field-magic void in the squad. Without him, Newcastle’s attacking line has appeared toothless, further complicating Howe’s tactical plans.
In terms of Isak’s injury, Howe made seven adjustments to the eleven that started against Barcelona last week. This strategy clearly was intended to bring new life and vigor into the starting XI, but it backfired spectacularly against Bournemouth. The Newcastle players struggled to register even a single shot on target during the match, a testament to their current woes.
“One time in 10 years isn’t bad.” – Pep Guardiola
As Pep Guardiola once stated, that’s how rare such performances are in top-flight football. Besides the obvious weight of expectation, it’s imperative that Newcastle improve their attacking shortcomings.
Road Struggles Continue
Notoriously, over the years, this has been a problem for Newcastle United playing on the road. This season in particular has exacerbated this phenomenon. The team has come out losing each of their last six away contests. It’s getting their league play really edged out because they literally can’t score on the road. Fans are getting increasingly concerned about it.
Eddie Howe’s priority is clearly to address these concerns. With the international break approaching and defeat to Brighton already on the horizon, Newcastle will be hoping he kicks on from here. The manager has acknowledged the need for improvement and is expected to work diligently to revamp his team’s attacking strategy in hopes of securing vital points away from St. James’ Park.
This is evidenced by Newcastle’s performances thus far marked by a shocking percentage share of managerial success vs majority of their opponents. This growing trend makes their aspirations all the more difficult as they seek to rise up the league table. Howe knows that earning back their trust is step number one towards restoring confidence back inside this squad.
Looking Ahead
It’s back to Premier League action for Newcastle, as they prepare to face Brighton. Fans are keen to see how Howe gets his players fired up to emerge from their goalscoring slump. Injured players are finally returning to the mix, and with that return comes hope. The onus will be firmly on club-record signing Nick Woltemade and his new teammates to step up in Isak’s absence.
The next match will be a great chance for Newcastle to right those wrongs and re-establish their positive Juventus-fueled momentum. Fans and analysts alike are eager to see if Howe can implement effective strategies that will result in improved performances on the road.
Leave a Reply