Eddie Howe sent unwanted reminder as £40m Brighton flex rubs salt in Newcastle United wounds


Newcastle United have not scored from open play since the 3-1 defeat to Fulham at Craven Cottage on September 21. They have not scored a non-penalty goal at SJP since September 1. Ouch.

This, after a well-documented summer of transfer struggles that threatens to rear its head once again following Saturday's 1-0 defeat to Brighton and Hove Albion. Just moments after the final whistle, Eddie Howe was indeed, again, asked about whether an attacking outlet should have been prioritised in the summer over a central defensive signing - and whether it changes the plans for the upcoming window.

"I think we have to take a long-term view," he replied. "Ages, contract lengths, physical needs. I don't think there will be any snap decisions taken after a few games where we haven't scored."

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Newcastle were arguably the most creative they have been all season against Fabian Hurzeler's side over the weekend. Alexander Isak had two glaring opportunities in the opening 45 minutes, both of which he would likely have buried last season. Incisions to Brighton’s defence were made in the second half too, with Isak either hesitating to pull the trigger or attempting to make amends for such dallying by going alone when better options presented themselves.

The same could be said for Anthony Gordon, who excelled on the left flank throughout. The ex-Everton man was denied by a fine stop from Bart Verbruggen shortly before half-time before sending a glorious chance straight towards the goalkeeper in the closing stages.

However, much of Newcastle’s issues in the final third can be explained by the fact Harvey Barnes’s introduction in the second half forced Gordon away from his favoured flank, where he had impressed, and over to the right where he is not as effective.

Newcastle have two starting left-wingers and no out and out, top four-quality, 10-plus goals a season option on the right. That should have been addressed in the summer.

Brighton had no such issues, either on Saturday or during the most recent transfer window. Young boss Fabian Hurzeler was backed financially by one of the most well run clubs in the country and subsequently pinched Yankuba Minteh off Newcastle and spent £40m on Championship star Georginio Rutter. The Frenchman arrived from Leeds United around the time Newcastle also dipped into the second tier to sign William Osula from Sheffield United.

The latter played a minor role this weekend, featuring only for a few minutes from the bench, while Rutter stood out as one of Brighton’s star men. The 22-year-old had a hand in the only goal of the game, peeling away from his man before playing a lovely one, two with Danny Welbeck as the veteran notched the only goal of the game.

Off the ball, he grafted too, chasing a loose ball down the right flank in the second half and winning a rather meaningless throw-in before celebrating his hard work with a scream towards the stands that Bruno Guimaraes and Joelinton would be proud of. The fact it was smart performance from a right-sided attacker, signed in the summer, only rubs salt in the wounds when Newcastle failed to fire on a difficult afternoon.

Of course, the January window is still some way away and Howe has no choice but to solider on with his current options until the winter market opens for business. Between now and then, the Newcastle boss needs to find a way to get the best out of his current crop - and get them firing again sooner rather than later.