Newcastle United

Phil Cartwright
BBC Sport journalist

Newcastle United boss Eddie Howe has been speaking to the media before Sunday's Premier League game against Chelsea (kick-off 14:00 GMT).

Here are the key lines from his news conference:

• Regarding Alexander Isak's contract situation: "It's a slightly more complex situation. Regarding the contracts, I'm not necessarily involved in those discussions day to day. I will hear bits and pieces. With Alex, he's got a long contract anyway and we have to be careful regarding our spending due to PSR. It's not a clear-cut situation. We of course love him and are desperate from him to stay at Newcastle for many years and score loads of goals for us. But I don't see a short-term issue with his contract."

• Striker Callum Wilson is not quite ready to return to action and is set to miss at least the next three matches: "He's just had some tightness in his body. He had trained with us and looked really good, but with Callum we and he are hypersensitive to any reaction to the work. He's got no injury as such, it's just he's not ready to come back yet."

• On Anthony Gordon signing a new contract: "Really pleased for him and for us. It's a really smart bit of work from the football club and from Anthony because it cuts out a lot of needless noise around his future."

• Howe added: "He's such a talent, we need him absolutely firing and I think this will help him get back to his very best."

• Howe said it is "crucial" the club continues its ambition for success in order to keep its best players: "We have to have a perception of achievement and growing as a football club to keep not just the so-called big names happy, but everyone happy and going in a forward direction. I've seen it very quickly go the other way. Myself and everyone connected at the club has a big job to try to keep that momentum positive."

• Howe does not want to "make too big a thing" of the Magpies failing to score in each of their past two games: "We need to score goals. It's been at the heart of everything we've done since we've been here, to be an attacking team, and we certainly haven't lost the intent to attack or score. I'd just love to see us be free and take those chances we create."

• On Sunday's opponents Chelsea, who they face again in the Carabao Cup on Wednesday: "It's unusual that you get to play the same team back to back and it's interesting that we're away and then home because naturally that will add complexities to gameplans. But I embrace the challenge."

Follow all of Friday's Premier League news conferences and the rest of the day's football news

Image source, Getty Images

Newcastle should 100% have scored after registering 35 shots across two games - but it is not a full-blown problem for Eddie Howe's side.

I doubt there is a feeling on the pitch that they won't score. Players in a team that creates opportunities do usually have a belief there will be better times ahead.

When teams do not create many chances then it is different because there is a pressure to take them.

Newcastle are not that side.

With their creativity, the attacking players they have are more than capable of scoring multiple goals in any game.

Plus, Newcastle do not score loads of goals anyway - yet they know how to get results and they still are.

People will overreact but the situation is not as bad as some are making it out to be.

Football is like that. Often people never notice these things but then someone brings out a stat and it escalates from there.

Nedum Onuoha was speaking to BBC Sport's Katie Stafford

Image source, Getty Images

We asked for your views on one thing nobody is talking about at Newcastle.

Here are some of your comments:

Richard: How many pre-takeover players we still have in our squad. In the game against Brighton, there were six Ashley-era players involved, plus another as an unused substitute. With Dubravka and Lascelles injured the figure could have been higher. Some 11 out of 29 squad players are pre-takeover. Nearly half! We must be patient.

Phil: How do you solve a problem like Bruno and Tonali? Both superstar players yet when they play together the product they serve is so inconsistent. It is like a modern day Gerrard-Lampard combination. Eddie needs to find an answer as using the flanks hoping to beat the offside trap is pretty toothless when the opposition know it's all you have.

Paul: Frustrating slump and moving the wrong way down the table, new attacking players needed. Why did we sell Chris Wood? We have not been the same team since.

Neil: Set-pieces. We have been woeful with corners and free-kicks awarded to us this season - whereas we had great routines in the first 18 months of Eddie Howe (with Jason Tindall devising smart routines). We are also naive when defending set-pieces. Goal against Brighton a case in point - get someone in front of the ball to stop quick free-kicks being taken.

Chris: Fabian Schar was signed for £3m and has been an outstanding servant for the club. This summer, the headlines have been about a lack of signings, and chasing an overpriced centre-back. Blaming FFP might be one thing, but are the scouts and backroom staff just being lazy? Forget the likes of Guehi. Newcastle need to be smarter with the money available.

Alexander Isak is keen to sign a new long-term deal at Newcastle United beyond 2028, despite interest in the forward from Arsenal and Chelsea. (i Sport), external

However, the Magpies do not see any rush to open talks with Isak, given he has three years left on his contract. (Mail - subscription required), external

Besiktas are keen on the possibility of taking Everton striker Dominic Calvert-Lewin on loan, with Newcastle, Arsenal and Manchester United also interested in the 27-year-old England international. (Fotomac - in Turkish), external

Middlesbrough have ruled out the possibility of 22-year-old midfielder Hayden Hackney joining Newcastle or Tottenham in January. (GiveMeSport), external

Want more transfer news? Read Friday's full gossip column

Shamoon Hafez
BBC Sport football news reporter

Image source, Getty Images

When Premier League champions Manchester City came to St James' Park last month, the Newcastle fans showcased a huge banner in the Gallowgate end in recognition of their star winger Anthony Gordon, which the player admitted almost left him "crying on the pitch".

Now there will be a feeling of relief from supporters after one of the club's 'untouchables' seemingly ended any speculation about his future by signing a new long-term deal.

The 23-year-old's bumper new contract is a show of faith from the club for his fine form last season and a signal of intent to maintain a team around Gordon, striker Alexander Isak and midfielder Bruno Guimaraes.

"I was almost crying on the pitch," Gordon said in a post-match interview, external with the club. "I don't think fans will ever quite know what that stuff will mean because I have got family and a little son watching in the stadium so they are memories that will stay with me forever."

Read more from Shamoon after Gordon extended his Newcastle deal here

BBC Radio Newcastle's Matthew Raisbeck has been discussing the Magpies' need for a third striker, stating that he believes the club is "suffering because of their transfer policies" in recent windows.

"I think Newcastle have needed a third striker for almost two years - since they sold Chris Wood to Nottingham Forest," he told the Total Sport: Newcastle United podcast.

"He scored again against Crystal Palace on Monday night and, even though he didn't have a great record at Newcastle, he has been great everywhere else.

"I don't think he has been replaced, in terms of being a striker that can play in the Premier League, can start regularly and has experience.

"I like William Osula. I can see why they have brought him in to develop, but if you're going to spend that sort of money then someone like Liam Delap [is more suited]. He has done well for Ipswich and looks more ready for Premier League football, whereas Osula doesn't.

"The whole thing around going for Marc Guehi - I think we can understand why clubs would be interested in him, because he was excellent for England in the summer and he is brilliant for Crystal Palace - but it wasn't a priority position for Newcastle, in my view.

"Newcastle needed a right-sided attacker and/or another striker, so I think the club are now suffering because of their transfer policies over the summer and the last few windows."

Listen to the full podcast on BBC Sounds

Newcastle United are willing to listen to offers for 25-year-old English midfielder Joe Willock in January. (Ekrem Konur), external

Want more transfer news? Read Thursday's full gossip column

Newcastle have been irritatingly inconsistent so far - positive results at the start of the campaign despite the team not quite being at their best, but now slumping to a four-game winless run in the Premier League.

We have seen the lack of goals and the over-reliance on Alexander Isak, but you know your club best.

So tell us, what else should be on the agenda - good or bad - when talking about the Magpies?

Have your say here, external

Image source, Getty Images

We asked for your immediate reaction to Anthony Gordon signing a new long-term deal with Newcastle.

Here are some of your comments:

Sandra: I am so glad that Antony Gordon has signed long term for Newcastle. He always plays well and often does a lot of work on the field with no acknowledgement for his hard work.

Cliff: It’s no surprise that Anthony loves it here. Every player who spends any time in Newcastle/Northumberland finds the slower pace of life ideal for them and their families. This is how you reward star players. In the past he would have been sold but the club now has a positive attitude and lofty goals, fully endorsed by fans and owners alike.

Jason: Glad Gordon is putting his future here. He is a good player hopefully he can turn into a great at the Toon.

Image source, Getty Images

Newcastle forward Anthony Gordon reacts to signing a new long-term deal with the club: "I just think the club's in a great place. Since the takeover it's just been up and up. Me and the gaffer are a perfect match in terms of style of play. I love it here.

"I'm very happy here, I like living here, the team is very suited to me - and I'm here to win a trophy. The short story is we need to win a trophy. Winning a trophy here would be unbelievable because the fans have waited so long. To be part of that team who finally does it is a massive goal of mine.

"We (my family and I) have always felt settled because Geordies are so easy-going and so welcoming, very easy to speak to and always want the best for you. It's a very easy place to come and live, I think. I feel very connected to everyone - teammates, fans and everyone involved."

Gordon - who was linked with a move to Liverpool during the summer - joined the Magpies in January 2023 and has made 74 appearances, scoring 15 goals and registering 11 assists.

What do you think Newcastle fans - is this good news? Tell us here

Manager Eddie Howe said: "I'm delighted Anthony has committed his future to the club. He has grown as a player and as a person during his time at Newcastle United and he has continued to prove just how good he is on the biggest stage.

"He is dedicated to improving himself and the team, and when you add that to the quality of his performances and his incredibly high work-rate, it's clear to see why he has such a special connection with our supporters.

"There's even more to come from Anthony and I'm excited about what's ahead for him and us."

Charlotte Robson
Fan writer

Image source, Getty Images

Newcastle United returned from the international break and promptly lost for the first time at home since January, 1-0 to Brighton.

The performance and result have compounded the problems we have been having this season, prompting more questions than answers.

If you take social media as a litmus test of how fans are feeling, which I strongly suggest you do not, you would see an overwhelmingly negative sentiment towards Eddie Howe and the way he has us playing this season so far.

YouTube comments under our videos call for ‘Howe out’ and decry him as ‘inept’. For what it is worth, I think anyone calling Howe ‘inept’ is telling on themselves. Go back to your comprehension books! Howe may be struggling to find a creative way to break down opposition, but inept he is not.

I think the reality is that legitimate questions are being asked of Howe and his coaching staff after a run of games with no end product, a lack of intensity, and some terrible set pieces.

I am not sure that the fanbase actually is ‘Howe out'. Personally, I am definitely not. I’m not about to kneejerk my way into being managerless.

Perhaps there are limitations on what he can do. Perhaps he has been hamstrung by all the horrible acronyms we as football fans now have to think about (PSR, FFP, APT etc.). Perhaps the players we have are not fully committed.

Whatever it is, I still think that Eddie Howe deserves a chance to get it right. I also think he is technically in that chance as we speak, so the next few games are critical.

The mood could go either way for the bulk of Newcastle fans by the next international break. I just hope it is in a positive direction.

Find more from Charlotte Robson at the True Faith: Newcastle United Podcast, external

Arsenal, Aston Villa and Newcastle are interested in Red Bull Salzburg's 20-year-old attacking midfielder Oscar Gloukh. (Caught Offside), external

Want more transfer stories? Read Tuesday's full gossip column

Image source, Getty Images

BBC Sport chief football writer Phil McNulty has been answering your questions on all things Premier League.

Michael asked: Feels like a strange thing to say, but Saturday was probably Newcastle’s best performance in every part of the game except scoring. Do you think it is just a matter of getting the strikers firing to start pushing on?

Phil answered: Hi, Michael. I think Saturday demonstrated just how important Alexander Isak is to Newcastle United. He is clearly still rusty after injury but he is a class act and once he is firing then their chances of moving up the table will increase greatly.

The big problem was Newcastle left themselves hostages to fortune by not signing a striker in the summer, leaving the potential problem of an Isak injury, which then happened. They cannot rely on Callum Wilson as an understudy because he spends too much time on the treatment table.

Anders asked: How safe do you feel Eddie Howe's job is at Newcastle? They didn't push on from an impressive 2022-23 last season (not qualifying for Europe) and haven't got off to the best of starts this season. With the rich, demanding owners and them almost three years into the project now, I'm surprised more hasn't been made of Howe's position.

Phil answered: Well, unless something remarkable and unforeseen happens I would say 100% safe.

I don’t think anyone could have done any better and I think he has been somewhat let down by Newcastle’s recruitment strategy.

They spent all summer focusing on a deal for Crystal Palace’s England defender Marc Guehi, which they eventually failed to do, while taking their eye off the ball for a reliable understudy to striker Alexander Isak and more creation on the right flank.

Isak then, almost inevitably, gets injured and the flaws are exposed.

Howe, though, should be safe as houses.

Follow the rest of Phil's Q&A and the rest of Monday's football news here

Image source, Getty Images

We asked for your thoughts after Saturday's Premier League game between Newcastle and Brighton.

Here are some of your comments:

Newcastle fans

Ward: Unfortunately we lacked a cutting edge and the guile needed to unlock a resolute defence. Our set pieces and corners are disappointing with little variation or creativity. This is important with the amount of box pressure we can generate.

Mike: It was very similar to the Everton game were we dominated but couldn't find the net. Again we created good chances against a resolute Brighton team and again we couldn't finish. It's so frustrating to watch, as long as we work hard and believe goals will eventually come.

Tom: Probably one of the most one sided first halves I have ever seen at St James Park. Newcastle should have been at least a couple ahead by half time. Newcastle's luck summed up with the Isak shot that hit Murphy. Shooting practice in training this week might be helpful. Right winger and a forward who can score goals are urgently required in the January sales.

Brighton fans

Philip: It was great to see a more pragmatic performance. We defended with determination as a team. Newcastle showed more intensity than us in the first half but lacked the finishing. If only we had parked the bus once we were up against Chelsea. In the second half we could have added more goals. Brighton’s flexibility and pragmatism were brilliant.

Brian: Not Brighton's most convincing or fluent performance. However, a great piece of individual brilliance from Danny Welbeck and some good defending enabled them to take all three points. Points from this type of match are vital to sustain a European challenge.

Louis: After all the chat about a high line and heavy metal football, this was a steely defensive performance that got us over the line. We all loved De Zerbi, but there was never any variation in tactics. Imagine if we had played like that against Roma. We've now played four of the big six, Newcastle and Everton away and have 15 points. Exciting times!

Chris Collinson
BBC Sport statistician

Newcastle have failed to score in their last two games against Everton and Brighton

This is despite taking 35 shots, having 87 touches in the box and creating an expected goals of four.

The 1-0 home defeat to the Seagulls was the first time Eddie Howe's side have failed to score at home in the Premier League since a 0-0 home draw against Leicester in May 2023

They had 21 shots without scoring on Saturday – the first time they have registered 20 or more shots without scoring since that goalless draw with the Foxes.

Tom Gayle
BBC Match of the Day Commentator at St James’ Park

Image source, Getty Images

Football comes at you fast. In the space of barley 36 hours Eddie Howe went from a pre-match press conference dominated by discussion as to why he wasn’t interviewed for the England Manager’s role, to a more humbling post-match interview with me, where for the second successive game, Newcastle’s Head Coach was trying to explain why his side failed to score during a game they had dominated.

The expected difference to the 0-0 draw at Everton was the much-anticipated return of Alexander Isak. Newcastle failed to score from open play during his three game injury absence, and if wasn’t for a) Jacob Murphy unintentionally blocking an Isak shot which appeared destined to ripple the Brighton net, or b) the performance of Bart Verbruggen, in particular his perfect execution of a starfish esque save to deny the striker, it could have been a much different story.

Last season Newcastle became the first team in Premier League history to register 80 plus goals, but also concede over 60 in one campaign. A ‘we’ll win by scoring more than you’ approach which was very unlike the Eddie Howe style we’ve become accustomed to.

This season, a strong emphasis on defensive solidity has returned. So far last month’s defeat to Fulham is the only time an opponent has managed to score more than once against Howe’s men. However offensively, compared to last year, they’ve scored 12 fewer goals at this stage of the season (8 v 20). Alan Shearer on Match of the Day said “There’s been a few things missing from Newcastle’s performances. The biggest thing is they’ve been so poor in front of goal. That has to change.”

Howe has the experience, and quality of playing personnel to turn things around in the final third. Yet given their next two league fixtures are away at Chelsea, before hosting Arsenal, things could get a little more frustrating before they get better for Newcastle fans.

Gary Lineker brings highlights and analysis from Saturday's Seven Premier League fixtures.

If you missed Match of the Day, you can catch up now on BBC iPlayer.

Listen back to full match commentaries on BBC Sounds:

• Man Utd 2-1 Brentford

• Bournemouth 2-0 Arsenal

Steve Sutcliffe
BBC Sport journalist

Image source, Getty Images

It proved a frustrating afternoon for Eddie Howe and his Newcastle side who lost at home for the first time since January.

However, they only had themselves to blame after failing to make the most of several good chances in front of goal.

The Magpies have now not scored in open play in just under seven hours of football, albeit Alexander Isak’s performance on his return from injury suggests that wait may not continue for much longer.

Isak and Anthony Gordon - two players Howe is keen to retain well into the future, provided Newcastle’s main attacking thrust.

Sweden forward Isak linked play well and looked relatively sharp despite being unable to beat Brighton goalkeeper Bart Verbruggen, when he was sent through on goal.

And with a Premier League and Carabao Cup double header against Chelsea approaching before the visit of Arsenal, Howe will need his talismanic striker to get back into the groove quickly.