Newcastle: Howe admits change after Isak’s departure, seeks adaptation

Newcastle manager Eddie Howe acknowledged that his team will present a different attacking style this season without Alexander Isak, following the 0-0 draw against Bournemouth, his former club. This result marked the third consecutive goalless draw away from home for Howe’s team. The coach highlighted the need for other players to take on a more leading role to fill the void left by Isak’s departure to Liverpool.

That’s three 0-0 draws away from home for us, which is unusual with our attacking style.

Eddie Howe

Following Isak’s transfer for a considerable sum, Newcastle moved quickly to incorporate Yoane Wissa, who is expected to miss the next month due to injury, and Nick Woltemade, who led the attack at the Vitality Stadium in a match with few clear opportunities.

I think Nick played very well today. He was very effective with his footwork and his link-up play.

Eddie Howe

Howe also expressed his hope in the team’s evolution, anticipating a process that could take time.

On the positive side 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 target in the match. Bournemouth had a goal disallowed for a marginal offside after a shot by David Brooks. Newcastle’s best chance came at the end of a play involving Woltemade and Sandro Tonali, who set up Jacob Murphy for a shot from a tight angle, which was deflected by Djordje Petrovic. 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.

Andoni Iraola

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