Newcastle United slumped to a second defeat of the season on Saturday.
Brighton arrived at St James’ Park, played very poorly for 35 minutes and still left Newcastle with all three points in the Premier League.
While those kind of games can happen, there is a major worry at Newcastle already.
Eddie Howe is reportedly set to demand an inquest as to why his team are just not scoring goals, with Alan Shearer offering a particularly scathing view of Newcastle’s finishing.
Alexander Isak is currently looking like a shadow of his former self, though he is far from alone in that.
Newcastle, frankly, did not really convince in an attacking sense despite carving out some big chances. Little about them offered much conviction in the final third, perhaps explaining why only five teams have scored fewer than their eight goals this season.
There was, however, a relatively contentious moment.
Indeed, Newcastle were denied a penalty despite a VAR check after the ball at least first appeared to have struck Seagulls star Joel Veltman on the arm.
Howe admitted his coaching staff were adamant it should have been awarded, though Mike Dean took a different view.Mike Dean gives verdict on Newcastle penalty claim vs Brighton
Speaking on Sky Sports News at 15:09pm BST, the former referee said: “His arm was in a natural position – good decision, no penalty.”
Newcastle could get a big boost before Chelsea game
Callum Wilson may not be the most reliable on the fitness front but surely few would deny his quality in front of goal, injuries permitting.
Luckily, the striker may return for the trip to Chelsea on Sunday, having reportedly told people he was likely to be fit for the Brighton game.
If he is closing in on a comeback at last, perhaps Isak can be rested, which may help inject some life into Newcastle’s attack.
