Newcastle's pre-season ended on a disappointing note, raising concerns ahead of the new campaign.
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Hey there, football fans! 🏟️ Newcastle just wrapped up their pre-season with a tough 2-0 loss to Atletico Madrid, and honestly, the vibes are a bit off right now. With zero wins from six matches this summer, there’s a lot to unpack about what this means for the Magpies as they gear up for the new season.
Are we worried? You bet! Let’s dive into the key takeaways!
Injury Woes: The Anthony Gordon Situation
Okay, but can we talk about Anthony Gordon for a sec? 😟 The England striker has been essential with Alexander Isak out, but he went down late in the game with what looked like a muscle injury.
This is giving me serious “not again” vibes, especially since he was having such a solid pre-season. He hobbled off the field, and now we’re all holding our breath waiting for updates. Who else thinks this could be a huge setback for Newcastle? 🤔
Gordon was really stepping up in Isak’s absence, showing promise as the designated striker, even if he was technically playing out of position.
His injury adds another layer of concern for Eddie Howe. Remember last season? The lack of a consistent striker was a huge issue, and it seems like we’re heading down that road again. What do you think? Should Newcastle look for reinforcements before the transfer window closes?
Striker Situation: The Need for a No. 9
Speaking of strikers, let’s chat about the overall attack. The front three of Gordon, Anthony Elanga, and Harvey Barnes brought pace and energy, but it felt like they were missing that finishing touch. This is giving me “we need a proper No. 9” vibes! ⚽️ While Elanga was making some promising runs, the team lacked that clinical edge we saw when Isak was on the pitch. Unpopular opinion: isn’t it time Newcastle invested in a dedicated striker? 🤷♀️
Howe’s formation might be working against them too. With wingers playing in central roles, it feels like the team is out of balance. Last season, Newcastle thrived with a solid striker leading the line, and let’s be real, the current setup just doesn’t feel right. If Gordon’s injury turns out to be serious, the pressure is really on to find someone who can fill those shoes. What are your thoughts? Can they make it work without a true centre-forward?
Positive Moves: New Signings and Midfield Strength
Now for some good news—Newcastle is close to signing Milan defender Malick Thiaw for around £34.3 million! 🎉 This could be a game-changer for their defense as they aim to bolster their squad. Thiaw is set to compete for a spot in the backline, which is crucial as they prepare for a long season ahead. It’s a solid move, and it looks like Newcastle is finally addressing some gaps in their roster. Do you think this is the right direction for the club?
Meanwhile, let’s not forget about Sandro Tonali! He was phenomenal on the pitch, showcasing his skills and reminding us why he was last season’s standout player. With Joelinton showing resilience after his knee injury, the midfield is shaping up nicely. But can they find the rhythm they need to support the forwards? The chemistry is key, especially with the season opener against Aston Villa just around the corner. Fingers crossed, right? 🤞
The Road Ahead: What’s Next for Newcastle?
As we look ahead, it’s clear that Newcastle has some serious work to do if they want to compete this season. With the transfer window still open, will they make the moves necessary to turn things around? How crucial is it for them to secure a reliable striker? And what about Gordon’s situation? The anticipation is real! Let’s keep the conversation going. What are your predictions for Newcastle this season? Are you hopeful or cautious? 🧐💬
