Howe’s Newcastle in Crisis or Just Bad Luck?

After the dramatic 2-1 defeat to Arsenal at home, Eddie Howe’s Newcastle United have won just one game in their first six games.

Are they in crisis, or is this just bad luck?

Losing to Arenal and Liverpool can be deemed as acceptable, but two goalless draws, especially against Leeds United, are slightly worrying.

Not to say that Howe isn’t doing a good job, but with the Magpies finishing fifth last season, should we have expected a bit more from them or leave them alone?

Woltemade is A Good Replacement For Isak

Following the departure of Alexander Isak to Liverpool, bringing in the German striker as his replacement seems to be a good bargain, as he has two goals in his first three games.

The way he bullied Arsenal’s backline in the first half, it almost felt like Gabriel Magalhães was facing Isak, his nemesis.

His physical presence in the box is one of his biggest attributes as a striker, and the opening goal proved just that.

Although Arsenal complained about the slight push on the Centre Back, the replay showed that Gabriel was looking for it; Woltemade just outfought him in their aerial battle.

You could even argue that Gabriel was lucky to be on the pitch after his fierce confrontation with Woltemade.

Suppose Newcastle continue to feed him with balls into the box, and he continues to be a nuisance to opposition defenders. In that case, the departure of Isak won’t taste as bad as it was on Transfer Deadline Day, particularly if he scores a bagful of goals.

Will he prove to be the ideal replacement?

Despite the painful defeat, Howe praised the performance of his new striker, and hopes his career can lead to bigger things in th future.

“The game is a good thing.“After this painful defeat, it is good that we have another game soon after.
“We want to get confidence.” Nick and Yoane (Wissa) are totally different players and we are never going to find another Alex (Isak), but we can find a way to be effective with them in the team. Great to see Nick get two goals so early in his Newcastle career.”

Howe: The Mag

Post their Champions League tie away at Union Saint-Gilloise, Nottingham Forest, Brighton, Benfica, Fulham, and Tottenham Hotspur, are their next set of fixtures.

Should they come out of it with a positive run of results, then this game can be forgotten.

What are your thoughts, are Newcastle United in crisis, or have they just been unlucky?

Let us know, on World in Sport