Goalprinting Difficulties, Newcastle Coach Admits Losing Isak

JAKARTA - Newcastle United manager Eddie Howe admits his team is different this season without Alexander Isak, having seen a 0-0 draw at Bournemouth headquarters on Sunday, September 21, 2025.

The win was a third goalless draw for Howe's team at home to opponents.

The coach said other players must now fill the void left by Isak who anchored to Liverpool.

"We've played the series three times without away goals, something very rare with our attacking style."

"I think it's only natural that we will be a different team in terms of attacking this year without Alex," Howe said.

After Isak's 125 million transfer, Newcastle acted quickly by signing Yoane Wissa, who is expected to miss next month due to injury.

They also landed Nick Woltemade, who led the front line against Bournemouth at Vitality Stadium in a minimal opportunity match. However, their arrival turned out to be an unsolvable solution to Isak's loss.

"I think Nick played very well against Bournemout. I think he is very effective with footwork and link play."

"However, we just need to get to know and get used to him and his style and shoot more at him because he's so good at it."

"I hope we evolve into a different team, hopefully a better team, but maybe it will take a little time," Howe said.

On the positive side to Howe, he has now recorded four clean-sheets in five games this season - not an easy feat against Bournemouth who is in his best form, who only fired two shots on target compared to one from the visitors.

Andoni Iraola's side scored when David Brooks grabbed Evanilson's cross in the first half, but the goal was ruled out for a thin offside by VAR.

Meanwhile, Newcastle United's best efforts were created at the end of a neat movement involving Woltemade and Sandro Tonali to feed Jacob Murphy who opened fire from a tight angle. However, Djordje Petrovic could still deny the effort around the post.

"We have great respect for each other. Very different from Bournemouth versus Newcastle's previous game."

"If a team is close to scoring, I think it's Bournemouth. In some games, we are more brilliant and make bigger differences, but we remain competitive in every game."

"Even when we lost against Liverpool, we lasted until the last minute. Today, the game is different, very tight," said Iraola.

Furthermore, Iraola claims Newcastle United defender, Malick Thiaw, should have been expelled because of his tackle on Ryan Christie, because he had received a yellow card.

"The Newcastle reserve coach decided to take him out, it was a clear second yellow card. I don't know if it will affect because the remaining time is very little," said the Spaniard.