Newcastle United, coming on the back of a brilliant outing against PL Giants Man City, were expected much for against Everton. However, the display they gave to the club fans has surely been disappointing, as despite getting chances, the club's terrible finishing halted them from the complete 3 points at Goodison Park.
Toon star believes they need to be clinical after a frustrated 0-0 draw against Everton
Even though Eddie Howe's star midfielders, Captain Bruno Guimaraes, powerhouse ace Joelinton, and Sandro Tonali seemed solid at the center of the park, the club's front three disappointed them big time. With Harvey Barnes, one of the most consistent performers this season, going silent alongside out-of-position star Gordon struggling, the frontline wasn't convincingly good in the final third.
In fact, Toon star Barnes, speaking after the fixture, admitted that they need to be a bit more clinical in the final third going forward. Harvey Barnes mentioned,
"“To win games, you need to be clinical. The top teams do it; they’re so efficient in the final third, and it is something we will keep working on and keep trying to bridge that gap.”"Harvey Barnes
However, the star left winger stressed the absence of a conventional number 9 in their current lineup, with wing star Gordon forced to put into the role. Although Anthony Gordon had a great game against Manchester City, it looked clear that Eddie Howe and the team needed Isak and Callum Wilson to return soon.
Barnes, while mentioning why they weren't up to the mark, they were expected to be, remarked,
"“It changes the way we set up for sure when you’ve not got a natural No. 9 up there. I thought Anthony did well, but there, it is not his natural position.”"Harvey Barnes
Given Newcastle's current status in the PL, who have been winless in the last 3 games, the Tyneside club definitely needs to have star forward Isak available. In such a scenario, Eddie Howe's recent positive update on the recoveries of Isak and Callum Wilson is interesting, as they both are expected to be back after the international break.
Considering that the club would move towards having a much stronger squad available, with just a few big names out after the break, Newcastle definitely stands a chance to return stronger. Magpies fans would hope that it eventually turns out to be the case as they look to contend for a top-4 PL finish this season.