Newcastle were again unable to solve Crystal Palace and for the third time this season, the two clubs have battled to a scoreless draw. Newcastle were the far better team this evening as they thoroughly controlled the match for 90 minutes.
The lack of cutting edge in the final third mean Newcastle come away from Selhurst Park with a solitary point. In the grand scheme, it’s a decent result against a well-coached team that defended very well.
Newcastle are missing a creative spark at the top of the pitch to break stubborn defenses down. That is one of the areas the club may address as the January window enters its final ten days.
Chris Wood’s sudden departure to Nottingham Forest could spur the Magpies into action. Howe stated on Friday that he did not want to lose Wood without a replacement. So hopefully, a new arrival is on the horizon.
Howe was asked about the window after tonight’s draw. The Northern Echo has published his response as follows:
“As a manager, you always want more. You always want more options. I’ve got no issue with the squad strength or size, but I think the point I’ve been making is that if we got injuries, we’d be very light, and we’re keen to do business.
“We’re keen to bring a player in that can help us, but, as we know in this window, and I’ve said many times, there’s no guarantee that will happen.
“We want to sign a player, for sure, but I’ve been preparing for this game, so I don’t have any fresh information to give you.”
Ideally, Howe would like to welcome a versatile forward, a midfielder, and a right-back. There will have to be more outgoings before Newcastle can think of adding three new faces.
Hopefully, Newcastle are ready to move for some targets. It remains very unlikely anyone arrives before Tuesday’s semi-final at Southampton. Though Newcastle can move quickly if needed.
Unfortunately, Arsenal have made their move for Real Valladolid’s Ivan Fresneda with the two clubs engaging in talks today. The young Spaniard would be a perfect young signing to work under Kieran Trippier.
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213 comments so far
Zorro
Jan 22, 2023 at 11:12 AM
Comment #201There’s plenty of top strikers out there its the same old boring statements from the the club and Howe we are looking but it’s difficult
No its not difficult unless you’re good old boring Eddie Howe
Ask chelsea or arsenal how difficult it is
This is why even with the funds to sign top players this club always is two steps behind the big six
We are in a great position what’s the point in waiting to grab that fourth spot
Who cares that’s its came earlier than expected
There’s no better time to put your foot on the pedal and leave spurs and liverpool too much to do because they will come on strong
Think big for once 2 top players would see us over the line
But there’s always something with this backward club
Even with the money who’s to say we’ll be in this position again next season or the season after anything can happen seize the moment
You might not get another chance
Raj of Hailsley
Jan 22, 2023 at 11:12 AM
Comment #202SuperShearer,
Given that Darren Eales has won CEO of the year a few times plus various other awards for his work, it’s fair to say he is one of leading experts in his field. He has been brought in because he is an expert in FFP and producing commercial revenue. The owners have made their ambition clear, yet we still have a handful of poster/fans questioning them, it’s incredible.
SuperShearer
Jan 22, 2023 at 11:15 AM
Comment #203@jimiley – this is exactly my point. Our expectations are unrealistic right now. On paper do we have a better 25 man squad than: Arsenal, City, Man Utd, Liverpool, Chelsea or even Spurs?
I would argue ‘no’. But I think we’ll finish above at least one of them. I have always felt top 4 was going to be very hard to sustain. But you never know.
My point is fans need to manage their expectations. If we don’t qualify for the CL this season that must NOT be seen as failure. A European spot would be amazing. But honestly, even that will require significant investment in the summer because as you see with so many teams in Europe the fixtures pile up and the players under perform in the league.
Honestly… I wonder if CL might be too soon for us. I think it would potentially see us go backwards rather than forwards.
ToonDarnSarf
Jan 22, 2023 at 11:20 AM
Comment #204SuperShearer – careful mate…you’ll be labelled a plastic fan for comments like that… 😉
lochinvar
Jan 22, 2023 at 11:21 AM
Comment #205The first leg at Southampton is a conundrum, for Southampton. With the second leg at SJP they can’t risk sitting on their laurels and that will leave space at the back.
Maybe Eddie will reverse his selections and start with Max and Isak to bring pace and strike power from the start. Then late bring on Callum and Murphy to keep Southampton hesitant to get to far forward.
Raj of Hailsley
Jan 22, 2023 at 11:21 AM
Comment #206SuperShearer,
I’ve obviously changed opinion now but I didn’t even want us to qualify for Europe at the start of the season for the reasons you say. The only teams that seem to cope are the ‘big six’ even Lpool only just found the balance.
Bills Son Is Back
Jan 22, 2023 at 11:25 AM
Comment #207If our poor run is 6pts from the last 12 with no feats and no goals conceded…
I’ll well settle for that.
I think Eddie and the squad will have got the message that goals and wins don’t just drop in the hat. Getting that message without losing and averaging 1.5pts a game is a great way to get that message.
Any fan who is moaning needs to give themselves a real good shaking.
simon376
Jan 22, 2023 at 11:28 AM
Comment #208Is Tripper banned for Tuesday after 5th yellow?
Munster Mag
Jan 22, 2023 at 11:28 AM
Comment #209It’s one of those” damned if u do” situations. Our squad is woefully weak for Europe on top of the prem. But to me, we strike while we in a position of strength.
Rotonda, it is a bit annoying when you read all the names we are being pipped to.
Rob it’s a bit of an ideal world situation where the players we don’t get were not true rumours in the first place. That’s a bit fanciful surely. Its very possible that all those south Americans were of interest to us, given Ashworths work at Brighton.
jimiley
Jan 22, 2023 at 11:30 AM
Comment #210We need to seize the opportunity of top 4. It’s there but we need a couple of ball players. Chelsea just seem to buy who they want.
We may have a better chance now than next season.
Chelsea and Liverpool might not make it this season and with no CL for them next season they will be a massive threat. Bellingham looks like a dipper and that Mudrych looks terrific. Now is our best chance and not next season so we need to seize it
jimiley
Jan 22, 2023 at 11:33 AM
Comment #211Bills
Nobody is moaning about our position but our recent lack of a goal threat.
Is it a poor run or are teams changing tactics and we do not have the players to adapt? Time will tell
Raj of Hailsley
Jan 22, 2023 at 11:35 AM
Comment #212Bruno:
https://twitter.com/brunoog97/status/1616900848453357568?t=TtE3LhTnBRbvbv6qZwPg9Q&s=19
Dave Rave
Jan 22, 2023 at 11:01 PM
Comment #213I would get pulisic. He’s better than than all but Bruno in midfield. He can play anywhere in midfield and we could probably get him for very little because Chelsea have just bought mudryk.
Him and Madison and someone like dzeko or Jonathan david