Newcastle United remain winless in pre-season after drawing 2-2 with Espanyol on Friday night.
The Sela Cup began at St James’ Park as Newcastle were held to a draw by Espanyol, despite taking the lead deep into the second half.
Espanyol took the lead through Edu Exposito, before Newcastle struck back thanks to Matt Targett and Jacob Murphy. Kike Garcia, however, would score late on to ensure that spoils were shared.
It means Eddie Howe’s side haven’t actually won a game since beating Chelsea in mid-May.
Pre-season has been difficult for the Magpies and it all comes to a head when Newcastle play Atletico Madrid on Saturday.
Here are five things learned from the Espanyol game.
William Osula looks annoyed as Lewis Hall stands behind him.
Photo by Stu Forster/Getty Images
A new striker cannot come quick enough
William Osula and Sean Neave cannot be allowed to start the season as Newcastle United’s strikers.
That’s no reflection on them as players, just that Newcastle have to be aiming higher.
MORE NEWCASTLE STORIES
Osula hasn’t impressed in pre-season, albeit in admittedly difficult circumstances. There is little to suggest he’ll be ready for the new campaign, while Neave is at an even earlier stage of his development.
The Aston Villa game is only days away now. Newcastle need movement on the striker front – and they need it fast.
The idea of having to rely on either Osula or Neave is a major worry.
Park Seung-soo and Lewis Miley embrace.
Photo by Serena Taylor/Newcastle United via Getty Images
Lewis Miley impresses
Newcastle want to sign a new midfielder this summer and for good reason. Howe generally operates with three men in the engine room, and Newcastle currently have only four fit central midfielders.
One of those is Lewis Miley, who impressed against the Spanish side. It was his darting run to the byline that teed up Targett’s goal, with the academy graduate also the one providing the cross.
This is a big season for the 19-year-old. Expecting too much too soon feels unwise but he’s got a chance to really kick on now, having suffered with injury last time out.
Eddie howe gives instructions during Newcastle United's pre-season friendly against Espanyol.
Photo by Stu Forster/Getty Images
Newcastle United remain too easy to play against
Clearly, reading too much into pre-season can be foolish.
Still, there is a worrying trend to Newcastle at the moment. They get turned over too easily, and allow the opposition a chance at goal.
That may change when all of Bruno Guimaraes, Sandro Tonali and Joelinton play together but it’s been something that has dogged Howe’s side all summer.
Mistakes like that will be punished in the Premier League.
Park Seung-soo enters the pitch at St. James' Park ahead of Newcastle vs Espanyol.
Photo by Harriet Massey/Newcastle United via Getty Images
Park Seung-soo lights up St James’ Park
Park Seung-soo has been perhaps the biggest bright spot at Newcastle this summer. The teenager has looked lively in his cameos, and did so again in his first appearance at St James’ Park.
While the South Korean forward still looks a little raw, he took to the stage well.
He’s certainly got the ability to beat his man, which is a start. Whether that’s enough to keep him at the club next season remains to be seen but it’s clear that Newcastle have a talent to work with.
Jacob Murphy embraces Matt Targett after his goal for Newcastle United vs Espanyol.
Photo by Serena Taylor/Newcastle United via Getty Images
Busy day for Matt Targett
Targett has been in the headlines recently, after a Twitter hoax suggested he’d accidentally been left behind as Newcastle left their tour of the Far East.
Given how hapless the club appear to have been about pretty much everything this summer, perhaps those who believed it could be forgiven…
Targett had a busy evening on Friday. He started in central midfield and scored the goal, while also giving away a penalty which was saved by Aaron Ramsdale.
He then reverted to left-back and seemed to draw fouls all evening.
It seems unlikely he’ll have done enough to start the Premier League season in either position, but it’s a nice reminder to Howe that he is indeed an option.