Draw leaves Magpies with just two points from their opening three fixtures, both earned from goalless away games
Newcastle United boss Eddie Howe has voiced his disappointment at his side’s lack of attacking output after a 0-0 draw with Leeds at Elland Road.
Missing Alexander Isak, and then Anthony Gordon, his replacement so far who was suspended after being sent off against Liverpool last week, Newcastle struggled to create or find a breakthrough despite controlling long spells of possession.
Isak’s absence continues while he seeks a move away from St James’ Park ahead of Monday’s transfer deadline. Newcastle have signed striker Nick Woltemade from Stuttgart to lead the line, but the new arrival watched from the stands as his teammates registered only two shots on target in 90 minutes.
“I thought defensively we were very strong, but we’ve got work to do at the other end of the pitch, which is really unlike us,” said Howe.
“We’ve historically been a really good attacking team, very free-scoring and very good at chance creation, but it hasn’t quite been there. We’re disappointed with that aspect of our play.”
Leeds were compact and disciplined and the Magpies had no solution to that. The draw leaves them with just two points from their opening three fixtures, both earned from goalless away games.
Howe said that he expected a far more positive performance from his side, even if they were missing important players.
Newcastle’s manager said: “When you lose the quality of players that we have from last season to this, Anthony Gordon is a big miss and Joelinton. Alex [Isak] is a huge player for us. So take those three players away and you’re going to suffer slightly.
“But I still think we’ve got really good players on the pitch and we need to do better.”
