Newcastle Adapts: Howe Analyzes the Game After Isak’s Departure

Howe Acknowledges Newcastle’s Offensive Transformation After Isak’s Departure

Newcastle manager Eddie Howe has admitted that his team will present a different attacking style this season, following the departure of Alexander Isak. These statements came after the goalless draw against Bournemouth, his former club.

This result marks the third consecutive goalless draw for Newcastle away from home. Howe emphasized the need for other players to take on a more prominent role to fill the void left by Isak’s transfer to Liverpool.

“We’ve had three 0-0 draws away from home, which is unusual given our attacking style. Naturally, we’ll be a different team in attack this year without Alex,” Howe commented.

Eddie Howe

Following Isak’s departure, Newcastle moved quickly to bring in Yoane Wissa, who is expected to be out with an injury for the next month, and Nick Woltemade, who led the attack in the match against Bournemouth.

“I think Nick played very well today. He was very effective with his footwork and his ability to connect with the game. We need to get used to him and his style, and have more players take advantage of his movements,” added Howe.

Eddie Howe

“I hope we are evolving into a different team, hopefully better, but it may take some time,” concluded the coach.

In a positive aspect for Howe, the team has kept a clean sheet in four of the five games this season, a remarkable feat against a Bournemouth in good form, who only managed two shots on goal. Bournemouth did score, but David Brooks’ goal was disallowed for a marginal offside after a VAR review. The best chance for Newcastle came at the end of a play involving Woltemade and Sandro Tonali, with Jacob Murphy finishing from a tight angle, but goalkeeper Djordje Petrovic deflected the ball. Bournemouth coach Andoni Iraola commented on the match.

“We respect each other a lot. It was very different from the last matches between Bournemouth and Newcastle. If there was a team closer to scoring, I think it was Bournemouth. In some matches we have been more brilliant and have made more of a difference, but we have been competitive in every match. Even in the match we lost against Liverpool, we were there until the last minute. Today was a different match, very close,” said Iraola.

Andoni Iraola

Iraola also suggested that Newcastle’s Malick Thiaw should have been sent off for a foul on Ryan Christie, as he had already been cautioned.

“Newcastle’s bench decided to substitute him, it was a clear second yellow card. I don’t know if it would have made a difference because there wasn’t much time left,” said the Spanish coach.

Andoni Iraola