The start of Newcastle United’s new Premier League campaign is unconvincing.
Supporters have come into the season after Eddie Howe achieved silverware last year, but Magpies have already struggled with rhythm and creativity in the final third.
They started with a 0-0 draw against Aston Villa before losing 3-2 to Liverpool in a chaotic contest.
A second goalless draw continued in Leeds, highlighting the difficulties in carving open, stubborn defenses.
The first three points of the season finally made the Wolves a narrow 1-0 home victory, annoying 0-0 against Bournemouth, followed by a final 2-1 home loss to Arsenal.
The numbers tell their own stories. Newcastle produced just 5.2 expected goals (XG) in the opening six games. Only West Ham, Aston Villa and Burnley manage it.
Minimum forecast target (XG) – 2025/26 | |
|---|---|
Burnley | 4.5 |
Aston Villa | 5.0 |
West Ham | 5.0 |
Newcastle United | 5.2 |
Wolves | 5.6 |
Source: fotmob | |
This sharp decline is of concern for those who took pride in the strength and fluidity of attack under Hau.
Part of the problem stems from recruitment, but Howe’s tactical tinkering didn’t help.
The sustaining of the back 3 variation slowed Newcastle’s offensive edge. In many cases, the sides seemed hesitant and reactive, with the main attackers unable to contribute.
The output needs to be improved, but much of the dissatisfaction among the fans is concentrated on one man.
Anthony Gordon – Synonymous with Malamars
Anthony Gordon entered the season with a new optimism.
“I’m really refreshing. I’ve regained my soccer appetite,” he said before the campaign began.
On paper, he must be at the heart of Newcastle’s offensive success.
Last season, Gordon provided six goals and six assists in 34 appearances.
He has not yet registered or supported a single goal in the league this season.
His only strike came as a late comfort to Barcelona in the Champions League.
The red card against Liverpool and the subsequent three-match suspension further disrupt his rhythm and looks like the shadow of the player who recorded 25 goal contributions in all competitions in 2023/24.
For Gordon, the challenge is not merely statistics, but psychological.
Once thriving with directness and strength, the Winger now embodies Newcastle’s collective mal laziness.
It’s predictable with offensive patterns and lacks the belief that it will turn tight games, which makes it hesitant.
His role on the left flank is overwhelming, with fans questioning whether Eddie Howe should look at the club’s young talent and inject energy and belief into an utter-sounding attack.
Newcastle’s Young Gordon Alternative
If Gordon represents the current problem, Park Seung-Soo may provide a solution.
The Korean teenager joined Newcastle from the Suwon Bluewings in July, and he has already created real excitement within his fanbase.
Swing made history in his hometown in June 2024, and in just 17 years and three months he became the youngest player in the K-League.
By the time he left Suwon, he had played 28 games in all competitions, scoring once and offering three assists.
Although it is mainly left wingers, the front-line, versatile swing is on the right foot and thrives in one-on-one situations.
John Duarden, a major Asian soccer expert, even suggests that his playing style “similar to Mbappé.”
Since arriving in the northeast, he has already shown a glimpse of his potential.
His preseason display caught Howe’s eyes and won the match-day team spot for the opener against Aston Villa.
He then featured three times in the Premier League 2 and one in the UEFA Youth League, impressed with his in-person running and willingness to take on the defender.
Although the swing at just 18 years old is still raw, Newcastle’s lack of sparks in his attack makes for a compelling claim for his inclusion.
With Nick Woltemade still adapting, Yoane Wissa on the sidelines and Gordon in shape, the teenagers were able to provide the infusion of pace, unpredictability and intensity that is missing from Howe’s attack.
For supporters, the hope is that Howe is bold enough to make the switch.
Gordon may rediscover his form in time, but now it appears that Seung Sou is ready to tear it off in the Premier League and give Newcastle the lift he desperately needs.
