Newcastle United’s attacking performance against local rivals Sunderland has given Head Coach Eddie Howe huge cause for concern after the Magpies only registered two shots on target.
Howe made clear his “disappointment” following the full time whistle that his side were not able to meaningfully test Sunderland goalkeeper Robin Roefs, given the “quality players” Newcastle possess.
After a first period devoid of any chances, Sunderland took the lead early in the second half when Newcastle forward Nick Woltemade headed into his own net past Aaron Ramsdale.
“Goals change games”, Howe made clear, and added that the Magpies’ approach to the second period was completed altered as a result, but despite the introduction of Harvey Barnes, Joe Willock, Jacob Murphy and then Yoane Wissa, Newcastle continued to lack creativity despite dominating possession.
Newcastle’s Head Coach did praise his side’s defensive display, which limited Sunderland to minimal chances, but this will pale into insignificance given that none of the Magpies’ attacking options were able to create any real moments of opportunity to excite the travelling Toon supporters.
This will perhaps frustrate Howe the most. Sunderland have played better this season, as highlighted by the 26 points they have amassed so far, and yet Newcastle failed to land a glove on them. There were moments in the match where better decision making in attacking areas could have seen the Magpies create significant openings, but they came to nothing.
Ultimately, it is a day that Eddie Howe, and everyone else associated with Newcastle United will want to forget in a hurry, but making up for it will not be as easy for the Magpies as simply winning their Carabao Cup quarter-final tie against Fulham in midweek. Newcastle will have to wait until March to exact revenge on their North East rivals when the two sides meet again at St. James’ Park.
Until then, Howe will have seriously consider making changes to Newcastle’s strategy in attack. The Magpies have lost the pace and intensity that was once a key characteristic of their play going forward. It could be argued that given Newcastle’s schedule, playing that way consistently is unsustainable, but for it to be missing in a game of such magnitude some will see as unforgivable.
