Newcastle United’s struggles on the road have become a recurring theme this season. Their recent 3-1 loss at Brentford extended their league winless streak away from home back to April. As a result, Eddie Howe’s side now sits just two points above the relegation zone. It is fair to say that facing Premier League defenses this season feels as appealing as an open window in a winter chill.
Pressure on Eddie Howe
The sting of this defeat was felt even more sharply due to post-match comments from Matt Le Tissier, which served as a reminder that Howe’s previously unflappable reputation is now under increased scrutiny. At St James’ Park, fans have witnessed their team perform dominantly at home, with only Arsenal, Liverpool, and Champions League heroes Barcelona managing to secure victories there. However, away fixtures continue to pose a significant challenge.
Concerns from Local Media
Northern football writer Luke Edwards, speaking on Radio Newcastle, expressed concern that if results do not improve by Christmas, whispers of a full-blown “crisis” could evolve into a loud chorus. According to Edwards, the heart of the issue lies in the attack.
- The persistent injury setbacks faced by Yoane Wissa have hit Newcastle harder than they may be willing to admit.
- Youngster Nick Woltemade appears to need a break.
Wissa was initially viewed as the ideal understudy to Alexander Isak, someone who could stretch defenses with his pace and cover the demanding kilometers of the Premier League. Meanwhile, Woltemade, known for his technical skills, performed well in Europe but was not intended to shoulder such a heavy domestic workload.
Woltemade’s Performance
Instead, Wissa’s absence, even before the season commenced, has forced Woltemade into more games than anticipated. The 19-year-old has shown promise, but understandably, he looks a bit fatigued. In the current 2025-26 campaign, Woltemade has:
- Played 616 minutes in the Premier League
- Scored four goals
- Taken 13 shots
- Created four chances
- Achieved a 40 percent dribble success rate
While these statistics are respectable for a teenager, they do not fully resolve Newcastle’s striking issues. Edwards warns that if Woltemade’s form does not improve by the start of the new year, it will be hard to ignore questions regarding whether this team or the club itself is in crisis.
Future Prospects
There is some optimism that Wissa will return to action following the next international break. However, he is expected to depart soon after for the African Cup of Nations in January. Additionally, William Osula has primarily featured in late-game appearances, providing little relief.
This shortage of attacking options may compel Howe to explore the January transfer market for another forward. While finding someone with proven Premier League credentials mid-season is rarely straightforward, it seems essential for Newcastle if they wish to ascend the table and revive hopes of European football.
If all else fails, perhaps Howe should consider asking Father Christmas for a striker in his Christmas sack. Unfortunately, he might need to wait until after New Year’s Day for that delivery to arrive.