Manager Eddie Howe said Newcastle United are still adapting to life without Alexander Isak following the striker’s transfer to Liverpool and called for patience as his new-look attack struggles to click into gear.
Newcastle’s goalless draw at Bournemouth on Sunday was their third consecutive 0-0 Premier League draw away from home and extended their winless run on the road this season.
While Howe was pleased with a third straight clean sheet in the league, they have scored only three goals in five games and are 13th with just six points.
“It’s three 0-0s away from home for us, which is really uncommon with our attacking style,” Howe told reporters. “I think just naturally we’re going to be a different team attacking-wise this year without Alex.
“I’m hopeful we’re evolving to a different team, hopefully a better team, but it may take a bit of time.”
Newcastle are looking to club-record signing Nick Woltemade to spearhead their attack following Isak’s departure to the Premier League champions in a record-breaking deal, and Howe said there is more to come from the German.
“I thought Nick played really well today,” Howe added. “I thought he was 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 good in that respect.”
Newcastle next host English third-tier side Bradford City in the League Cup second round on Wednesday.
Newcastle’s attack still adjusting to Isak’s absence, says Howe
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Newcastle’s attack still adjusting to Isak’s absence, says Howe
- Newcastle’s goalless draw at Bournemouth on Sunday was their third consecutive 0-0 Premier League draw away from home
- Newcastle are looking to club-record signing Nick Woltemade to spearhead their attack following Alexander Isak’s departure
Talwar leads on opening day of 2025 Saudi Open
- The 26-year-old from Delhi set a new course record of 8-under 64 at Dirab Golf & Country Club
RIYADH: India’s Saptak Talwar opened the first day of the 2025 Saudi Open, sanctioned by the Asian Tour, with a new course record of 64 (8-under) after finishing his round with a birdie on the final hole in fading light at the Dirab Golf & Country Club.
The 26-year-old from Delhi, who has competed in only a handful of Asian Tour events since turning professional in 2021, delivered a flawless round that included four birdies on each nine, placing him at the top of the leaderboard.
In second place are American John Catlin, the defending champion and reigning Asian Tour Order of Merit winner, and Australia’s Jack Thompson, both carding 65.
Meanwhile, rising Moroccan talent Adam Bresnu stole the spotlight as the leading Arab player on the opening day, after a strong performance that placed him firmly in contention.
Despite still being an amateur, Bresnu exemplified the Arab Golf Federation’s vision of creating clear pathways for regional talent to reach the highest levels of the professional game.
Through its partnership with the Arab Golf Federation, Golf Saudi is expanding high-level opportunities for amateur and professional Arab players.
Bresnu said: “The conditions were really good. What I liked most about the course was how firm the greens and fairways were. The greens are excellent, and I’m really happy to be here.”
“I’ll keep the same mindset. Patience is the main goal,” he added. “It’s a four-round tournament, day by day, shot by shot. My goal is simply to enjoy playing.”
Saudi Arabia players are still in contention as they progress into day two.
Shergo Al-Kurdi said: “Representing the Kingdom is amazing, the crowd support is definitely a big one. In general just being in Saudi, I always enjoy my time here and just want to perform the best I can. It’s a good place to have a nice week.”
He added: “The amount of support Saudi gives to their players is absolutely fantastic and it’s what golfers need to get into a higher level of golf. It is what is needed and they are prepared to do it. It’s very good what they’re doing.”
