Eddie Howe is determined to get to the bottom of Newcastle United’s attacking woes outside of Nick Woltemade.
Woltemade continues to score for Newcastle United but the rest of Howe’s attacking line is struggling.
Outside of Jacob Murphy’s cross for Woltemade’s header against Wolves in September, none of Newcastle’s other wide players have registered a goal contribution in the Premier League.
Only the three teams in the relegation spots have scored fewer goals than Newcastle this season (7). That’s a poor reflection on the wide options at the club and it is hardly worth thinking about how badly this season would have started without Woltemade.
Murphy, Anthony Elanga, Harvey Barnes and Anthony Gordon all need to step up, and Howe has been talking about them ahead of the game.
Eddie Howe looks on during Newcastle United's Premier League game against Nottingham Forest.
Photo by Robbie Jay Barratt – AMA/Getty Images
Eddie Howe gives honest verdict on Newcastle United’s attacking problems
The Newcastle United manager was speaking at a press conference ahead of Tuesday’s Champions League clash against Benfica.
He talked about the coaching staff holding meetings with the wingers in his squad, both on an individual basis and as a collective.
Asked about the issues his wide men are enduring this season, he said: “We have meetings with them all the time. Individually, unit, team. So, we’re constantly working on all phases of our game, and the attacking side will be no different from all the other areas of the team that you need to function to get a positive result.
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“There is an onus and a responsibility on all the attacking players to contribute. But, as I say, sometimes the problem doesn’t always exist with sort of what you’re directly looking at.
“There can be another reason behind it. So, it’s giving everyone accountability in the team, me included, to try and find a solution.”
Newcastle United hatch surprise plan to answer attacking needs
Newcastle’s front line will soon be strengthened by the return of Yoane Wissa from injury.
Wissa is expected to play for Newcastle in November, with the DR Congo international yet to make his debut for the club since joining from Brentford because of a knee injury sustained on international duty.
While predominantly a striker, the 29-year-old is also capable of operating out wide, although he has much more experience playing on the left-hand side.
In fact, Newcastle could play Wissa as a right-winger when he’s back from injury in a bid to solve their attacking issues outside of Woltemade’s contributions this season.