Newcastle in danger of serious mistake as late striker move could make or break season

In a game which was there to be won, neither side knew how to, when Newcastle drew 0-0 away to Leeds.

In a season where Newcastle are expected to compete on four fronts, once again Newcastle looked toothless in attack and devoid of ideas on how to unlock a Leeds defence that seen Arsenal put five past them.

This highlights perfectly the glaringly obvious hole in Eddie Howe’s squad at this moment in time - strikers.

In the likely scenario Alexander Isak gets the move he desperately wants, Newcastle cannot move forward with Will Osula and Nick Woltemade as the only focal points to the attack. Another striker who can score goals is needed desperately and absolutely essential.

In the game against Leeds, Osula only managed one successful dribble and two touches in the opposition box, the latter the same as full-back Tino Livramento.

Osula’s endeavour cannot be faulted, but in the most part his display was clumsy and lacked composure in or out of possession, with the Dane conceding five fouls.

Games such as Leeds away, where the points are there for the taking, require courage and conviction, previously provided by an absentee Sweden International, and can definite the success of a season come May. If there was a way to demonstrate to the Newcastle hierarchy what Howe needs, that was it. Nick Woltemade is a welcome addition in so many ways to the Newcastle dressing room, but another is needed to spread responsibility and quality.

Before the transfer window slams shut at 7pm on Monday, striking reinforcements are needed desperately. Anthony Gordon can do a job in the central striking role, but as seen against Aston Villa on the opening day of the season, he lacks the killer instinct in front of goal and is by far at his best on the left wing. 

Yoane Wissa is doing his best to force after today's bombshell statement and move and Jorgen Strand Larsen is also keen to sign, but both of those things mean little if Brentford and Wolves can't find replacements in time.

Progress must be found somewhere, even if it's a surprise loan move that gives us more reliable cover than the raw and erratic Osula, who proved last night that he's not ready to play a big role.

The Newcastle board, need to take the evidence of the season so far and simply must back Howe with either another striker, or put an end to the Alexander Isak fiasco and get him back doing what he is paid to do.