Alexander Isak: a £60 million panic buy? To say that Newcastle United have made mistakes in the last few years when it comes to strikers would be an understatement. Carroll, Slimani, Joselu, Muto, Joelinton and Chris Wood are just a few of the strikers we’ve signed who couldn’t hit a cow’s backside with a banjo. There are also the strikers who disappointed at Newcastle, but went on to thrive elsewhere, like Alexander Mitrović and Ivan Toney, who can now be seen banging them in on a regular basis at Fulham and Brentford respectively. Rondon was OK ish but he only lasted a season, and even when Eddie Howe seemed to have an answer at last with Callum Wilson, he become the biggest injury magnet in the Premier League. (more…)
Howe: Still has a long way to go to change old habits Undoubtedly, things have improved at St James’ Park since the early days of this season, when the Magpies were struggling to get out the bottom three. However, there is one thing which hasn’t changed, and has actually got marginally worse in the 20 games since Eddie Howe took over, goals, or lack of them.
Eddie Howe’s record for goals scored per game is actually lower than Steve Bruce’s was in the first eight games of the season before he was sacked. Whilst Bruce’s side scored an average of 1.25 goals per game, in his 20 games so far, Howe’s side has managed only 11 goals, with a goals per game average of only 1.1. (more…)
There’s much to think about for Eddie Howe. Despite all the tales of future world class signings, future Champions League competition and all the rest, it has been a frankly awful season for Newcastle United so far which has seen them rooted within the bottom three. A nightmare December run of games against Leicester, Liverpool, Manchester City and finally, Manchester United certainly didn’t help, but as the games get ever more crucial, what lies in store in the next few games for Newcastle and our basement rivals in the race for survival? (more…)
A tough task initially for Eddie Howe. Mike Ashley is out and Newcastle fans can start to dream again. It’s been a long time coming and tastes very sweet for thousands of the Toon Army. However, though expectations are higher than ever due to the amount of money the new owners have, success doesn’t happen overnight.
On the flip side, it’s hard not to imagine Newcastle going on the same journey as Chelsea or Man City. With hope springing eternal on the Tyne, it’s essential to keep our projections as realistic as possible. But what is realistic? (more…)
Will ‘the Saint’ be enough to save Newcastle? There is only one thing that stops the “we want Brucey out” chants at St James Park and that is the expectant roar whenever Allan Saint-Maximin gets on the ball. Indeed, even the most fed-up Geordie will momentarily put his grievances with the manager to one side to appreciate the spectacle that follows.
The French winger breathes life into the terraces of St James’ Park and reminds fans of why they fell in love with the sport in the first place. Indeed, Saint-Maximin’s carefree nature with the ball at his feet is a throwback to simpler times given that his approach is so refreshingly straightforward: run at the opposition and put the fear of God into their backline. (more…)
