Eddie Howe makes Alexander Isak admission as Newcastle United stutter in attack

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Newcastle United are finding life in the Premier League tougher than they hoped.

The club has opened the season with three goalless draws away from home.

A 0-0 result at Bournemouth on Sunday again showed their struggle to find the net.

At St James’ Park, the story has not been much better with just three goals in total and only Aston Villa scoring fewer.

The attacking gap left by Alexander Isak’s exit is starting to show.

From a Liverpool point of view, this is striking.

Reds fans know Isak’s quality after watching him trouble defences last season.

They also know how hard it is to replace a main goal source when a key forward departs.

Newcastle’s record signing Nick Woltemade scored on his debut against Wolves but could not add to it on the South Coast.

Supporters are now watching closely to see how Eddie Howe reshapes the team.

After the match, Howe gave a clear and honest view of the challenge.

He commented, as reported in the Shields Gazette, “Just naturally, I think we’re going to be a different team attacking-wise this year without Alex.”

“That’s not why I think we’ve not scored in the three away games, but naturally I think we’d be attacking with a different emphasis.”

He praised Woltemade’s effort, saying, “I thought Nick played really well today.”

“I thought he was very, very effective with his footwork and his link play, but we just need to know and get used to him and his style more and get more runners off him, because he’s very, very good in that respect.”

“I’m hopeful that we’re evolving to a different team, hopefully a better team, that’s, of course, the plan, but it may take a bit of time.”

Howe stressed the team’s role in providing service, “I think all centre-forwards to a degree rely on the service.”

“Alex wouldn’t have scored a goal for us if we didn’t get up the pitch and get the ball into dangerous areas.”

“I think we have to do that better as a team.

Of course, he’s a goal-getter.”

“You look at his record last year, it was very, very strong.

I don’t think that was a criticism of him today, but more of the team.”

“I thought we played well, so it’s a difficult one to instantly critique our attacking work.”

“We got in some good areas in the first half, areas we should have done better.”

He also called for goals from wider positions and midfield.

“Yes, it’s one place [the wide area] to look?

I think our midfield has to contribute as well.”

“I think you’re only as good as your defenders as well, so I think it’s a knock-on through the team.”

“Whenever you go through a period where you don’t score, I think you have to look at all areas.”

“I don’t think you can limit it to the wingers, but of course those players have to be productive, and I think they always have been historically for us.”

“So we’ll be pleased Anthony’s suspension is now done, he’s a massive player.”

“Of course, Yoane we’re waiting to bring back in, so JJ’s injured as well.”

“There’s a couple of players there or three players there that can make a big difference to our collective strength.”

For Liverpool supporters, Howe’s words ring familiar.

Losing a clinical forward reshapes a side.

Newcastle now face the same hard work the Reds once did when a main goal threat moved on.

Read more: Arne Slot confirms five Liverpool stars to sit out Carabao Cup tie

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