Newcastle United will feel like their 2025/26 season can really start now that Alexander Isak has gone.
The Magpies’ striker situation has been resolved, with Isak joining Liverpool on transfer deadline day.
In his place, Newcastle bought Nick Woltemade and Yoane Wissa. They will be leading the attack at St James’ Park, as Eddie Howe’s side attempt to build up steam after a disappointing start to the campaign.
Newcastle United have drawn two games and lost one, sitting 17th in the Premier League after the opening three games of the season. Not having a striker has cost the Magpies, with Isak doing plenty of damage during his spell on the sidelines.
However, it has not been all doom and gloom, as Geordie Boot Boys look at four things we have learned about Newcastle United so far this season.
Eddie Howe speaks to Will Osula during Newcastle United's Premier League draw with Leeds United.
Photo by Robbie Jay Barratt – AMA/Getty Images
Will Osula is not ready to be a starter for Newcastle United
For the first ever time, Will Osula started a Premier League game for Newcastle United. He led the line during Newcastle’s 0-0 draw with Leeds, but failed to seize the opportunity that was given to him.
Osula struggled against Leeds, reinforcing the fact that he simply is not ready to be a consistent Premier League starter for Eddie Howe.
His goal against Liverpool proved that he can have an impact off the bench, while he remains a hugely popular member of the Newcastle United squad.
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However, the £10million signing still has a lot of work to do to get to the standard he needs to be at to thrive in black and white.
Eddie Howe is going to rotate more this season
Howe has built an exciting squad at St James’ Park, and he intends to use it.
The Newcastle United manager proved it at Elland Road, having made four changes to his starting lineup. Two of them were tactical, with Anthony Elanga and Harvey Barnes dropping to the bench.
He has made it clear he will be rotating his side more, which is excellent news ahead of what is going to be a gruelling season.
While the likes of Malick Thiaw and Lewis Hall have started the season as substitutes, there is no doubt that their time will come. Howe has learned from the mistakes of his last Champions League adventure, and intends to utilise his squad to the best of his ability.
Nick Pope is Newcastle United’s number one
At the start of the summer, Howe wanted more competition for Nick Pope. He got that, with Aaron Ramsdale joining Newcastle on loan.
There has been a clamour from some fans to see him included in the starting lineup, but Howe has kicked off the campaign by putting his trust in Pope.
The 33-year-old has kept two clean sheets so far, performing very well in the draw against Leeds United.
Pope is under more pressure than ever to perform, but is rising to it so far.
Newcastle are united despite the Alexander Isak saga
Newcastle are united. That is the biggest takeaway from their opening three games of the season.
With everything that has gone on with the Isak situation, it would be easy for Newcastle to be distracted and fragmented.
However, their performances at the start of the season suggest the contrary. There has been no shortage of fight and endeavour, particularly during the devastating defeat to Liverpool.
The only thing Newcastle have been lacking is a goalscorer, but that will change after the international break when Nick Woltemade and Yoane Wissa are ready to make their debuts.