Eddie Howe admits Newcastle are adjusting to life after Isak

NUFC TALK TV
Sep 22
3 min read

Newcastle United enter a critical phase in their season. Without Alexander Isak—sold earlier this summer—Eddie Howe’s side is still adjusting to life without their talismanic striker. The early indicators from the first five Premier League matches are concerning: just three goals scored in five games, and three consecutive goalless draws on the road. Reuters+2Reuters+2

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Bournemouth 0-0 Newcastle: The Latest Standstill

Newcastle’s latest Premier League outing against Bournemouth ended another away stalemate. The Magpies’ defensive structure held firm, keeping another clean sheet, but the attack was blunt. Despite periods of promising possession and a handful of openings, goal-threats were minimal. Notably, Nick Pope made important saves and the likes of Jacob Murphy came close, but overall the sharpness in the final third is missing. Craig Hope from the DailyMail & Reuters+1

Howe rotated his team heavily, resting key players following Champions League exertions; but even with fresh legs, the offensive output was underwhelming. Only one shot on target in the second half underscored just how much Isak’s absence is felt in the penalty box. Coming Home Newcastle+1

Nick Woltemade: Big Deal, Bigger Expectations

To fill the void left by Isak, Newcastle broke their club record by signing Nick Woltemade from Stuttgart. The tall, technically gifted German forward was supposed to add a new dimension to the attack. While he has shown flashes—link-up play, good footwork—Woltemade is still settling in. Howe emphasizes that Newcastle must adapt around him, get more runners off him, and adjust their attacking style. It won’t be overnight. Coming Home Newcastle+3Reuters+3Malay Mail+3

Off the Pitch: Financial Clouds & Squad Moves

Amid the on-field worries, there are off-field issues building. Reports indicate that Newcastle United may face significant penalties from UEFA for breaching financial regulations. Despite the high-profile sale of Isak to Liverpool, the club’s losses from 2022-2025 appear to exceed the permitted thresholds under UEFA’s rules. How this will affect future transfers and sporting ambitions remains to be seen. FourFourTwo+1

Meanwhile, defensive seniority is also shifting. Captain Jamaal Lascelles, a long-standing servant of the club, may be on the move with Turkish side Trabzonspor reportedly interested. With limited game time and a changing defensive pecking order, this transfer could signal another phase in Howe’s squad reshuffle. Coming Home Newcastle

More on Lascelles

Chronicle reporting - Newcastle turned down a £4m bid from Trabzonspor for CB Jamaal Lascelles.

Eddie commented - Jamaal is the ultimate professional and he is an incredible character, so disciplined and dedicated. Really positive, and when out on the pitch, he elevates standards.

"When you are able to give him an opportunity, he does really well, but that's no surprise to me.

"He is a vital part of what we are doing here this season." TheChronicleLive - Shared by Connor (NUFCTalkTV Contributor)

Howe’s Vision: Evolving Attacking Patterns

Eddie Howe is openly urging patience—and a shift in mindset. Without Isak, Howe expects Newcastle to evolve to a different kind of attacking unit. The emphasis is now on structure, runners from midfield, sharper final balls, and more support for the forward line. The manager has made it clear: the defensive foundations are in place, but goals are becoming the priority. The Independent+2Reuters+2

Games like the upcoming EFL Carabao Cup fixture vs Bradford City, and Premier League games at home, may provide opportunities to rapidly implement that evolution. But for now, the road draws, the mild frustration, and the defensive solidity are all part of a steep learning curve.

What Fans Should Watch Next

How many shots on target Newcastle manage in their next away games—especially early in matches.
Whether Woltemade gets the support and service needed (more runners off him, better supply from wings and midfield).
Adjustments in formation or personnel—are other forwards or attacking midfielders getting more chances?
Reactions to possible UEFA sanctions, both in terms of financial constraints and transfer strategy.
Departures like Lascelles or changes in defensive rotations that may shift stability.

Bottom Line

Newcastle United are in a “transition season” by virtue of Isak’s exit. The defensive frames are solid, but the sparklers in attack are still being found. Howe believes a new attacking template is forming. Whether it translates into goals—and wins—depends on patience, adaptation, and collective improvement across the squad. Ultimately, results will decide whether Eddie Howe’s season is saved or sunk. But that’s a question for the future — for now, all we can do is reflect on what’s unfolding in the present.