Tino Livramento has admitted Newcastle United cannot simply blame not having a striker available after failing to win either of their two opening Premier League games.
Newcastle United head into Saturday’s clash away at Leeds without a win in the Premier League this season.
Admittedly, that doesn’t really tell the whole story. Indeed, this has been a difficult summer for Eddie Howe’s side and games against Aston Villa and Liverpool were always likely to be a challenge.
The fact Newcastle went into those fixtures without a striker is a blow, too. Before agreeing a club-record deal for Nick Woltemade, they had struggled to land a forward all summer – a situation made worse by Alexander Isak’s exile.
Howe’s side played well in both games and would arguably have won had they had a striker on the pitch.
However, Livramento has little time for such excuses.
Tino Livramento during a Premier League game between Newcastle United and Everton.
Photo by Stu Forster/Getty Images
Tino Livramento addresses Newcastle United’s lack of a striker
The defender, who was recalled to the senior England squad on Friday, was speaking to beIN Sports.
Livramento was directly asked whether Newcastle really would have won against Villa and Liverpool if they had been able to field a striker.
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The former Southampton star shrugged off that suggestion.
Livramento said: “It’s not a good enough excuse or anything like that. We’ve definitely created a lot of chances.
“I think with Anthony [Gordon] playing up there, he’s sacrificed a lot for the team. He’s done a good job for us there but obviously he won’t be able to play in the next three matches [through suspension].
“Anyone here would see it as an opportunity now to show what they can do for the team. Ultimately, it’s not just the No.9 who should score goals, everyone should be chipping in.”
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With Isak unavailable and Gordon suspended for Newcastle against Leeds, Howe might have to do something he’s never done before.
William Osula did not start a Premier League game last season but looks primed to when the Magpies head down to Elland Road on Saturday.
Osula scored against Liverpool and has previously impressed the Newcastle coaching staff. The 22-year-old, however, is yet to really convince at elite level.
Newcastle United statistics William Osula
Games 21
Minutes played 428
Starts 3
Premier League starts 0
Premier League minutes played 139
Goals 3
Assists 2
William Osula stats for Newcastle United
Part of that will surely be down to his limited game time and he will no doubt hope to lay down a marker.
While Livramento is correct in saying the whole team need to chip in, a lot of pressure will be on Osula on Saturday.
Howe is pleased with Osula, now he needs to take his chance and run with it.