Newcastle United are still looking for their first win of the Premier League season, drawing 0-0 against Leeds United. Eddie Howe knew it was "never going to be easy", but goals and points are the biggest reward for the doubtless endeavour of his players, and he is pleased with the latest arrival.
‘We look resilient and strong’
The manager mentioned a 1-0 victory from his debut campaign as his standout trip to Elland Road, but he knew that three points were far from a certainty at a stadium that is always highly passionate.
“It was really hard fought. You know coming here, it's never going to be easy. Always very difficult games. Crowd involved in the match. I thought we played well in patches and in phases of the game.”
He chose to use a back five with Sven Botman and Fabian Schar, who had recovered from a head collision on Monday. The team kept a second clean sheet of the season, showing defensive discipline.
But it is also the second time that the Toon have failed to score in the Premier League this month.
“Our defensive display was very good and it has been so far this season. So, that's a real positive sign. We look resilient and strong. Our attacking play wasn't quite there. We struggled to break them down. Although we got into some good positions I felt in both halves but end product wasn't there.”
‘He’s got unique qualities’
Howe highlighted how quality opportunities for his men against Leeds were few and far between.
“It was a long range shot. I thought the best chance I think it was for Will Osula in the first half maybe from a from across, but yeah, not enough to talk about really in that respect.”
The absence of Alexander Isak remains a talking point on and off the pitch. The group have looked together despite the noise around the Swedish striker, but they lack a little punch in the final third.
The arrival of Nick Woltemadefrom Stuttgart is welcomed by everyone associated with the club.
“Disappointing that we don't get to sort of work with him tomorrow. He'll go off with his country and rightly so. But we're just really looking forward to the time when we do get to work with him.”
A £69 million signing, the German cost even more than the transfer for Isak from Real Sociedad. Not unlike Isak, Woltemade has qualities apart from scoring that have made him stand out to the manager.
“I think he's got unique qualities. He has got a game that can really help us, very technically gifted, very creative, and of course he's a big presence in the box. So, excited by what he can do for us.”
The future of Isak could be clearer now that Newcastle have a replacement. For now, nothing changes.
“No idea, so I'll find out like everybody else will.”