Big names going ineffective
As has been the case this season, only very few players have stood out as consistent performers for the Magpies club. Although the club hosts a majority of big names, be it Alexander Isak, Anthony Gordon, or Captain Bruno Guimaraes, the three have clearly been much silent in this early phase of the 2024/25 campaign.
In the fixture against Fulham, this was evident once again, as Anthony Gordon, being switched from his conventional left-wing role, hasn't been effective at all, causing stiffness in the club's attack force. Similarly, Isak's presence in the club's front line hasn't looked dangerous for the opposition backline for quite a while now, being a major concern for Howe's side.
And to finish it, speaking the harsh truth, Captain Guimaraes hasn't been the same since returning from the international break. In fact, the dynamic midfielder has been more of a liability recently, as an awful pass from the Brazilian headed straight to Fulham forward Nelson, who aggravated the scoreline to 3-1.