Newcastle United are struggling for goals right now, after drawing 0-0 with Everton on Saturday.
The Magpies took on Everton without a recognised striker, with Anthony Gordon leading the line at Goodison Park.
It was an evening to forget for the 23-year-old, with Gordon missing a first half penalty. He also passed up an excellent chance in the second half after being played through on goal by Miguel Almiron.
Eddie Howe’s side lacked killer instinct and cutting edge on Saturday evening. Their approach play was excellent, but Newcastle were terrible in the final third.
Newcastle fans concerned after Will Osula is snubbed against Everton
While Newcastle struggled to find the net, Will Osula watched on from the bench.
He was the only Newcastle striker available for the game against Everton, with Alexander Isak and Callum Wilson injured.
Despite this, Eddie Howe opted not to turn to Osula in the Magpies’ time of need. In the aftermath, Newcastle fans have questioned why Osula did not make an appearance, with some pondering why he was even brought to the club.
His exclusion has cast a new spotlight on Newcastle’s striker issues, but there is a bigger issue at play.
Newcastle lacking creativity out wide after Paul Mitchell blunder
Newcastle would have benefitted from having a proper striker against Everton on Saturday night – mainly because it would have allowed Anthony Gordon to play out wide where he is much more influential.
And that sums up the issue. Gordon is capable of playing as a striker, but the players out wide are not good enough to supply him with the necessary chances.
Harvey Barnes is having a great season so far, but he is not particularly a creator. He is a finisher – someone who is capable of scoring high quality goals from out wide. But he drifts in and out of games, which is to Newcastle’s detriment.
The bigger issue is on the other side of the pitch, where Newcastle have Jacob Murphy and Miguel Almiron competing to play on the right. Neither are good enough for where Newcastle need to be, and their limited influence makes the Magpies’ struggling attack even weaker.And this shows why Newcastle desperately needed to sign a winger during the summer transfer window. They needed a top level player who could come in and create more chances. In short, they needed an upgrade on Almiron and Murphy.
Eddie Howe wanted Michael Olise, but he went to Bayern Munich. He was Newcastle’s top target, and that sums up the calibre of player that the Magpies were targeting.
When you are building a squad, you are only as good as your weakest position. While Newcastle are struggling without Isak and Wilson, they are top level players when fit. Even when Newcastle have everyone available, their two right wing options are not up to standard.
That was clear to see at the start of the summer, yet Paul Mitchell failed to address the problem.
There was a late attempt to do that, with Newcastle failing to sign Anthony Elanga from Nottingham Forest. In truth, even he might not have been enough to solve this issue.
For now, Newcastle must persevere with what they have got. However, the problem needs to be rectified when the January transfer window is open.
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